For the first time in their history, Wolverhampton Grand’s Christmas pantomime is Beauty and The Beast. Whilst this isn’t the Disney version of the same name, audiences will no doubt be familiar with the story and certain characters within it.

A tale as old as time that everyone surely has heard of. The beauty of pantomime is that scripts can be adapted or changed to allow a twist on the classic tale, or in this case whoever is the star name at the top of the poster. We meet an evil Gladiator named Gladius (Giant from ITV’s reboot of Gladiators) who curses an egotistical Prince (Thomas Lowe) to live the rest of his life as a beast. Heroine Belle (Olivia Mitchell) is given the task to break the spell by magical fairy Angelica (Jarnéia Richard-Noel) in order for them all to live happily ever after.

Each season, pantomimes seek to be familiar to audiences, appeal to all ages and yet redefine their productions. The impressive digital set (supplied by Imagine Theatre) really elevates the entire piece. High quality digital screens move us from a quaint French village to Gladius’ realm onto the Beast’s castle which works well. This partnered with Richard Cadell’s magic and illusions having the audience genuinely ponder how they were done. A mixture of modern music (‘Born This Way’) and classics (‘Something About The Way You Look Tonight’) ensures that there is something for everyone. Musical theatre fans are also accounted for with songs from musicals including Moulin Rouge and Hairspray. There are, however, a lack of ‘traditional pantomime’ elements which are really missed throughout the show with very little audience participation and interaction.

Making his pantomime debut is Jamie Johal. Giant by name and Giant by nature, as he towers over his cast mates with his stage presence and stature as our villainous character, Gladius. It is a joy to see him enjoying his time on stage so much, especially when the crowd boos. Although there are a distinct lack of boos at this performance, perhaps due to his nice nature on the hit ITV show. His performance, however, is interesting enough for his first time on stage. No doubt with each performance, the character will develop further. Thomas Lowe is restricted naturally during the performance due to the beast costume but gives an incredible performance of ‘Bat Out Of Hell’. Costume designer Mark Walters has done a fabulous job especially with the head of the beast. Olivia Mitchell as Belle is underused but when on stage, she shines.

Returning once again are Tam Ryan as Joey and Ian Adams as Madame Fifi Fou-Fou. As well as writing the entire script, they star as Belle’s brother and mum. Whilst every dame character is unique and performs in their own way, Madame Fifi Fou-Fou leaves us wanting more as an understated dame. The comedy doesn’t land as intended due to the low-key nature of what is normally the larger than life stand out character. Ryan does the best he can throughout but is left to attempt the majority of the comedy due to the double act scenes with Adams, which he does well. The slapstick routines feel disorganised and contrived, especially during the bathroom scene which lingers for too long and descends into chaos.

Original SIX star Jarnéia Richard-Noel is given the task of the big show stopping vocal numbers throughout. Whilst her voice sounds a little fatigued (unsurprisingly after three show days), she gives unique takes on Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ and ‘Come Alive’ from The Greatest Showman. The standout performer of the entire show has to be Monsieur Le Pratt, played by Timothy Lucas. Theatres up and down the country will be lining up to have him in their cast next year. Each moment he is on stage, he is hilarious as the over the top Bilston (you know Disney copyright and all that). Entering each time with Lizzo’s ‘Good As Hell’ backing him, he has the audience in the palm of his hands throughout.

Beauty And The Beast is a good family pantomime with plenty to enjoy, even if there is a little bit of Christmas magic lacking.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Jordan Potts

Beauty and the Beast plays at Wolverhampton Grand until 5 January 2025, with further info here.