IT’S THAT time of the year again when the quirkiest of all theatrical experiences hits our stages – the one where aging camp men play grand dames in spectacular frocks, with grown-up sons who act as the link twixt plot and players.
It’s where we, the audience, both young and old go along to boo, cheer and generally make merry – I refer of course to Pantomime.
No theatre excels more in keeping pantomime traditional than the Wolverhampton Grand and happily this year it’s more of the same with ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Once again, it’s a clever adaptation of a classic story by the legendary Ian Adams and Tam Ryan, directed with glorious imagination by Andrew Lynford.
Sam Hilditch’s lighting design is simply awesome with colours that are ultra vivid and cluster spots that hover, sparkle, twist and turn like huge jewels over the stage and auditorium. Nina Dunn and Matt Brown add the most amazing video designs along with traditional set design from Mark Walters and David Shields.
There’s faultless sound from James Claridge and oodles of magic and illusions to add excitement from Richard Cadell; -Mark Walters and John Brooking have designed the most garish, audacious and simply wonderful costumes that constantly bring gasps and laughter.
The hardworking ensemble who don’t put a foot wrong are choreographed by Natalie Bennyworth and a bostin’ band hit all the right notes under musical director Rob Murray.
Ian Adams plays the dame, one Madame Fifi Fou-Fou and succeeds perfectly in giving the dual performances of silly for the kids and naughty for the adults. He also does some dirty dancing that defies his age. Tam Ryan plays Madame’s son Joey with a warmth that comes across the curtain line whilst being suitably silly and simple.
Entering from the right – the traditional good side – is Jarneia Richard-Noel as Angelica the fairy with pure soul in her voice – from the left (traditionally bad) side is Giant the TV Gladiator as Gladius the underworld demon.
Olivia Mitchell is a total feisty delight as principal girl Belle – Timothy Lucas puts the B in buffoon as Monsieur Le Pratt and Tom Lowe brings home the bacon as Prince Pascal – aka The Beast.
I’d like to give a special shout out to the Grand Theatre CEO, Artistic Director and musical supervisor for the pantomime Adrian Jackson. Beauty and the Beast is the icing on the cake of a joyous 2024 under his leadership.
Outside the weather was wet and miserable but inside the greeting was welcoming and warm. The audience came for a good time, and they certainly got it with laughs galore, plenty of opportunity for participation and the expected and unexpected perfectly combined to make a highly-recommended night out – Oh yes it is!
Beauty and the Beast runs at the Wolverhampton Grand until January 5. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
