Beauty and the Beast at New Wolsey Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
With just the right amount of “he’s behind you” and plenty of boos for the baddies, all with a rock and roll twist, Beauty and the Beast at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich was a fantastic way to kick off panto season.
We first meet the Prince (Neil Urquhart) on his 21st birthday, eagerly waiting for his guests to arrive for his big celebration. After refusing to let a stranger use the “facilities,” we discover that this stranger is Snarlina (Signe Larsson), the villain of the piece. With a dramatic green and black hairstyle and sequins that catch the light from every angle, she owns the stage from the moment she appears. To teach him a much-needed lesson in kindness, she transforms the Prince into the Beast and sets the story in motion.
We then meet Belle (Nis Raza Hamilton) and her sidekick, Pigeon (Eloise Richardson). This brilliant duo of best friends are keen to try something new, something that might make Belle a little more popular and maybe even land her a boyfriend. They decide to start a podcast about the mysteries of Ipswich, beginning with the strange door no one has ever been able to unlock. I wonder what could possibly be behind it.
For me, the standout performance came from the Dame, Mrs Ringer (Max Gallagher). Bold, hilarious and full of personality, she lit up the stage with perfectly pitched innuendos and jokes that worked for every age group. A classic moment of audience participation, involving two very reluctant men whose families eagerly volunteered them, had the entire theatre roaring with laughter.
A brilliant aspect of this production, and something I had not seen before in a panto, was the multi-instrumental cast. Every performer played at least one instrument, with many staying on stage throughout to support the action. It was genuinely impressive and added a unique energy to the storytelling.
The show was filled with nods to Ipswich, from a knowing joke about the Orwell Bridge traffic to a playful poke at Norwich, and of course a reference to Ed Sheeran. These local touches sat alongside gags that landed particularly well with younger audience members, with a subtle 6 7 and a Steve’s lava chicken remix.
I left with aching cheeks from laughing so much. This is a joyful, lively production that promises fun for the entire family.
Beauty and The Beast plays at the New Wolsley Theatre in Ipswich until January 17th.
★★★★★
