Written by Liam L for Theatre & Tonic

Charming Entertainment’s Beauty and the Beast - The Adult Panto sets out to deliver cheeky fun and drag-fuelled campness. With plenty of knowing nods to the classic tale, the production is unapologetically packed with filthy panto humour, and for the most part, it succeeds, provided you’re willing to take the show for what it is and overlook some noticeable flaws.

This is very much a production that rewards audience participation. When the jokes land and the crowd is encouraged to join in, the atmosphere lifts and the evening becomes genuinely entertaining. However, there are moments when it is difficult to ignore issues of pacing and preparedness, which at times pulls focus from the fun.

Drag Race winner Icesis Couture was cast as the villain, and while her star presence is undeniable, she was frequently reading directly from a script, often seeming like she was encountering the lines for the first time and although she leaned into this by acknowledging it and earning laughs from the audience, it’s hard to imagine a lesser-known performer being afforded the same grace for such an under-prepared performance.

In contrast, Paige Three shone as the Enchantress, acting as an effective bridge between audience and stage. Her crowd work was confident and warm, and even when local accents caused confusion, she handled it with charm and humour. Cheryl Hole (the Wardrobe) and Elle Vosque (Madame Potts) shared excellent chemistry and were consistently engaging, clearly enjoying themselves and bringing the audience along for the ride.

Beyond the Drag Race alumni, the wider cast featured performers playing Belle, Beast, La Fufu, and a small chorus. Cerys Williams, as Belle, looked every inch the part, particularly in the iconic yellow ball gown, sequinned to dazzling effect. Wes Bromley, playing Beast, offered a hilariously camp portrayal of the iconic character that left the audience howling with laughter.

However, the clear standout of the evening was Wayne Miller as La Fufu. Wayne is a seasoned professional; he commands the stage with ease and enjoys a sharp, effortless back-and-forth with the audience that elevates the entire production whenever he is on stage. (Oh yeah)

Overall, Beauty and the Beast -The Adult Panto is uneven but enjoyable. If you can embrace the chaos, appreciate the cheeky twists on a well-loved story, and lean into the filthy fun, there’s plenty to laugh at, even if the magic doesn’t quite sparkle all the time.

Tours across the UK until 1 March 2026

★★★

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