Christmas cracker the perfect way to give families a traditional treat

The tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast is the perfect panto to see this festive season at the Princess Theatre, Torquay.
Be warned, don’t go expecting to see a Disney adaptation, as the fairytale has been given a few new touches thanks to characters Dame Dotty (Michael Neilson), Fairy Formidable (Katy Ashworth) and Potty Pierre (Kevin James) and Only Fools and Horses legend Sue Holderness as the evil villain Malevolent.
As Del Boy would say from Only Fools and Horses- this panto is ‘Lovely Jubbly!’
It has everything you’d ever expect from a traditional panto with tongue in cheek, slapstick humour mainly courtesy of Michael Neilson.
The stellar actor, who has a list as long as your arm of West End Shows on his CV, knows how to work the crowd and got his character Dotty spot on. Audience members young and old were giggling out loud with his sketches with partner in crime Kevin James. The plate scene and potty song were particular favourites with comic banter aplenty.
Neilson’s costumes also deserve a mention. He was never in the same costume for more than a few minutes and they got more outrageous as the night went on!
Leads Hannah Everest as Beauty and Benjamin Purkiss as the Beast worked up a chemistry on stage and both have exceptional vocals. Look out for their rendition of Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman, which was beautifully performed.
Benjamin also got to show off his versatility as an actor, playing the arrogant and self-indulgent prince and then turning into the raging beast who is slowly tamed by Beauty.
This polished production really had something for all ages- musically it featured bang up to date numbers such as Kylie Minogue’s Padam Padam to an Abba medley. The Monkey’s classic I’m a Believer also had everyone singing and on their feet dancing for the final scene.
John Macneill’s rendition of Elvis Costello’s She was also note perfect.
It was a nice touch to get three local children up on stage to help with an animal noise inspired comedic song. Kevin James seemed unfazed by the youngsters and adlibbed throughout the segment making it even funnier.
Set wise, a French village along with huge castle gates and stone walls took centre stage to help set the scenes. There weren’t many fancy props, instead the ensemble cast filled the space with well worked choreographed dance routines.
The Beast’s costume was just right. It wasn’t too scary for the children, but it didn’t look like cheap fancy dress mask. Credit to Benjamin Purkiss for performing and singing with the large horned headdress on.
The glittering encore costumes were also a real spectacle with Beauty’s dress wowing the youngsters in the audience and Dotty’s Eiffel Tower hat also had the wow factor!
Multi award winning company Jordan Productions has clearly spent money on the show with a top cast, sparkly costumes galore, fireworks and a giant elephant to ensure it’s a success.
All in all, it’s a cracking traditional Christmas night out for the whole family and jolly good fun.
It's a beauty of a show!
It runs until December 31.