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Beauty and the Beast

Published Thursday 29 December 2005 at 11:45 by Mike Martin

A pleasant enough show, which moves along at a leisurely pace, enhanced by the regular inclusion of tried and tested traditional elements. It is always good to see a kitchen scene - albeit a somewhat reserved one - and a reworking of the old “If I were not… routine is fun. Simon Howe is a visual and verbal feast as the tap dancing Dame, his experience shining through.

The proceedings are shaken up somewhat with the appearance of Sean Cook as the ego-centric Gaston, sending himself up with smarmy charm as he sings Kiss. In general, the cast works well, although Linda Robson, as an ungainly witch, relies, as usual, upon dragging out her Essex fishwife persona.

By contrast, Suzanne David makes a delightful Beauty. Her singing voice and diction are first class, complementing the pretty looks and graceful charm which combine to create a perfect panto heroine.

This classic love story, with its essential dark elements, is not an obvious choice for a Christmas show but it is refreshing to see someone taking a stab at it. A brave and mainly successful attempt to convey the light and shade of a complex idea whilst holding on to the spirit of the season.

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