It’s the time of year when fairytales surround us in the form of pantomime but if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, then this New Vic production of Beauty and the Beast is exactly that.

Adapted from the original novels by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and directed by Theresa Heskins, this production transports us to a time of mischievous goblins and warrior Queens.

Bella finds herself imprisoned in a castle with a beast, she believes she is there to clean, her sisters believe she is there to be eaten and the Beast believes she is there to marry him!  How could this possibly end well?

With onstage musicians, lifelike puppets, wheeled butlers and a Beast wearing stilts, there is truly a bit of everything and an abundance of magic and mystery for all the family to enjoy.

Nicholas Richardson plays the Beast; a frightening, horned, towering, hairy figure, that is a far cry from the Disney image that might be immediately associated with this story.  Rhiannon Skerritt plays Bella as a strong female protagonist who stands up to the Beast amongst his repetitive marriage proposals.  There is comic relief from Rhyanna Alexander-Davis as Nigella and Solaya Sang as Prunella, Bella’s squabbling, greedy and spoilt sisters, and Danielle Bird is outstanding as Rajnhildre, the Goblin Queen.

It’s a beloved fable that has been brought right back to the beginning and is a must for all generations this festive season.

***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Beauty and the Beast plays at the New Vic Theatre until 29 January, with tickets available here.