So I was invited to another Panto over
the weekend, this time it was Beauty and the Beast at the Marina Theatre in
Lowestoft. I had to take my little niece Amelia. I took her last year to see
Sleeping Beauty (and she didn’t stop talking about it for the whole year). This
year she was so so so excited to see Beauty and the Beast. She has been so
excited all week and when I got to my sister’s house to pick her up she was
dressed head to toe, tiara included, in her Belle outfit and she looked like an
adorable little princess, even though I am biased, I think you’ll agree she was
very royal. We got to the Marina and I have to thank the staff for their warm
and welcoming greeting. It was such a fun night, we both had lots of fun
dancing in our seats, shouting out to the characters and Amelia absolutely
loved it. I said to the Marina Theatre staff before we arrived that it is the
child’s opinion more than mine that counts and I have to say, my niece
absolutely loved it.
Paul Holman Associates have yet
again produced this panto which has been sponsored by cottages.com. Most will
know the story of Beauty and the Beast from the famous Disney version, this is
the one myself and Amelia mostly know. The story shows quaint and quiet little
Belle forced to live with a Beast in order to free her father. She soon starts
to realise that the Beast is not as bad as she first envisaged and eventually
falls in love with him, breaking the curse on the Beast and his enchanted
castle. Obviously it is not that simple when you have a witch and a
self-centred misogynist in the way but as with all fairy tales a happy ending
is achieved. The beautiful Angela Lansbury song does not feature in this panto
although we listened to it in the car to make up for that.
Jeremy Edwards, best known for his
roles in Holby City and Hollyoaks, stars in this year’s panto cast. Playing the
role of Gaston, not exactly the villain of the show, but definitely no hero, he
is seen as the heartthrob in the story but the only one who does not see things
this way is Belle herself. Edwards made several naughty jokes during the
performance which I am sure the adults will enjoy and the children won’t have a
clue what’s going on. Terry Gleed returned to Lowestoft this year again in the
comedic role, this time as Freddy. Gleed is a natural comic on stage and is
very entertaining. He is very good and interactive with the audience and the
smart fart thing at the end with the children from the audience had me in
stitches. Fenton Gray joins the cast as Madame Cherie Trifle. I am pleased to
know that Gray was once one of my favourite characters in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Cats, Gus the Theatre Cat. Gray has some very interesting costumes and attire
in the panto, all of which were hilariously entertaining. I am absolutely
gutted I missed the massage scene as Amelia needed to go to the toilet but I
heard so many laughs from the auditorium, when I returned Gray was a cooked
turkey – don’t ask just go find out for yourselves that’s all I can say. My favourite
bit from Gray has to be his rendition of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. I don’t think
he will win an MTV award but he definitely entertained me.
Helen Jeckells duals as the
Hagwitch and also choreographed the show. I spoke to her during rehearsals and
she said how excited she was to be both on stage as the witch and behind the
scenes as the choreographer. Jeckells performance was Amelia’s favourite and
she spoke about how much she loved her voice, hair and costume. Matthew Wellman
is the Beast and Prince. I really liked his performance and the tribute to
Phantom of the Opera, he definitely had that phantom voice and presence on
stage, and I thought his performance was great. Molly Howe is Fairy Rosebud and
she is a very angelic and happy fairy on stage. I particularly loved her
glittery flowery wand. Rosie Hale joins the cast as Belle and Graeme Henderson
plays her father.
There are lots of music, dancing,
singing and of course with all pantos’ plenty of audience participation. It is
very child friendly and definitely worth taking the children to see this year.
Richard Cheshire has directed this panto and I have to admit there is plenty of
entertainment for the adult audience too. Lots of comedy to be had by the whole
family and the group of older ladies in front of me were definitely getting
there monies worth by getting fully involved so you are bound to have some fun
and laughter while at the Marina Theatre’s panto. There are usually two
performances a day up until New Year’s Day but it is best to check the website
for full details and check availability or alternatively phone the box office
on (01522) 533 200. Hot off the press also, the panto for next year at the
Marina Theatre will be Aladdin and I have to say my niece is already excited,
asking when can we go; so as you can see it is a really fun night and we will definitely
be returning next year to see Aladdin. Please get in touch on twitter
@AaronBurgess89. And have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2017.
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