Beauty and the Beast, Marlowe Theatre Review
Written by Jasmine for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
First off I should confess that I haven’t been to a proper all-out pantomime in about a decade so coming back to my home theatre’s yearly production I was really excited to see how they might have changed. From the get go it felt more high-tech than I remembered - there was a pre-show audience cam that felt as much fun as it was a threat - catching grown ups off guard taking selfies or snacking on sweets, and giving one of the sugar-rushed children there a moment in the spotlight. It really said; this is a panto, say goodbye to the fourth wall.
If that was the promise, this year’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ certainly kept up their end of the bargain - with the Dame, played by the Pantomime Awards ‘Dame of the Year’ Ben Roddy in his 16th year at the Marlowe, using that same audience cam (and a man magnet) to find a man to target for the rest of the show from the huge audience. The resulting terror from all the reluctant dads in the audience was absolutely gold, and a man called Chris found himself quite unexpectedly being a key part of the show.
Ben Roddy’s performance was, of course, hilarious, and it was a particular joy to watch the familiar comedy between Roddy and returning cast member Phil Gallagher, better known as Mr Maker. You couldn’t help feeling they were having as much fun on stage as we were having watching it. Similarly when they form a comic trio with Richard David-Crane, best known for Horrible Histories, it’s magic. David-Crane’s Danton (the Gaston character) never failed to get a laugh, and his increasingly lovable portrayal of the six-packed bare chested almost-villain is a highlight of the show. Tyler Collins makes the trio and quartet of comedy as leader of the transfigured servants and Scottish candlestick, Bougie, and the comedic chemistry between the four of them is contagious, especially when they crack each other up on stage.
This production has everything you want from a classic panto; it had great performances of hit songs, with a heavy featuring of ‘You will be found’ from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ - a show which will be touring to the Marlowe later this year - endless puns, sing-alongs, the panto bench, and a sweet love story. The vocal performances from Maisie Smith, Jocasta Almgill and Joseph Hewlett, as Belle, Cupid and the Beast respectively, were all stellar, and they each brought a balance of sincerity and fantasy to the love plot of the pantomime. This truly felt like an ensemble production where everyone was giving their all onstage and having a wonderful time performing together, which makes it a joy to watch.
It is also clear how much of a vocation this is to the creators of the pantomimes at the Marlowe, and the sense of love for it is felt in every moment of the show. It’s a special year for them, as it is the Musical Director, Chris Wong’s 30th year at the Marlowe pantomime, and it is Evolution Productions 20th Marlowe pantomime. Wong’s moments performing onstage are fabulous and they add a sense of fun and community to this pantomime which is really unique.
The special effects are also a huge reason to go and see any of the Marlowe pantomimes - they never skimp on creating incredible jaw-dropping moments onstage - in this case (spoiler alert!), a plane flying over the audience, very realistic snow falling on us, and a few pyrotechnics to boot. Even as an adult, it creates a real sense of wonder.
For a great night out, in a brilliant theatre, full of fun and classic panto moments, look no further than the Marlowe’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ - it’s a great time out for all the family, and for grown ups looking for some panto nostalgia.
At Marlowe Theatre Canterbury until 12 Jan 2025
★★★★
