REVIEW: 'Beauty and the Beast' - Grimsby Auditorium, 10th-30th December 2025 - ****

Grimsby Auditorium’s family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, deserves much credit for not jumping on the tailcoat of the recent Disney ‘epics’, and instead delivers a spectacle packed with pure traditional pantomime fun. Strong song and dance numbers, comic set pieces and plenty of audience participation more than compensate for the hackneyed plot, delivering a production that is firmly aimed at family audiences and succeeds in entertaining them throughout.

Visually, the show is strong from the outset. The set designs fill the stage, with colourful backcloths, picturesque villages (we’re in Much Piddling on the Green, this year) and clever lighting, allowing smooth transitions between locations, while the costumes are bold and eye-catching, particularly those worn by the hard-working, ever-grinning cast ensemble, who occasionally outshine the principals in the big numbers.

This is not to detract from the principals, who bring heaps of comic timing, bravura and panache to their roles. Belle, played by Eleanor ‘Beauty’ Homer, is presented as a confident and compassionate lead, and her energy radiates across the stage. Jordan Adams’ portrayal of the Prince/Beast develops convincingly from intimidating to sympathetic to charming. His big solo numbers (‘Human’ by Rag N Bone Man and ‘Stronger’ from the underrated musical Neverland) are show-stopping ballads that were extremely well received by the audience at this Friday’s preview performance. Ian Norton, previously seen as the out-and-out good-time Dame makes a very welcome return to the line-up, this time playing the baddie, Miserabelle. Norton is a pro at the catty putdowns, and makes a jaw-dropping first entrance (no spoilers here!)

Local lad John Hewer (last since in the panto-universe playing Dame in Riverhead Theatre’s Aladdin) gives a brilliant turn as the befuddled Baron, proving particularly amusing during a classic, side-splitting rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and hitting the stage every scene with broad strokes of character, and Rob McVeigh has the charisma to pull off the hedonistic, self-orientated role of Anton the Gyspy King with the right amount of tongue-in-cheek knowingness.

The cast is topped with the performances of panto crème de la crème Sue Hodge, as Fairy Wizadora and Martin Daniels, as Seymour Bottom. This energetic pair work well not only together, but also with the rest of the cast and, of course, the audience. Hodge’s spell-binding routine is a show highlight, and Daniels whips across the stage and works the audience into a glorious frenzy with every appearance. Together, the ‘Tap Your Troubles Away’ number, where both get to show off more than just their comedy chops, is one of the biggest spectacles of the show.

The show was not without some technical issues during the preview performance, however, this rarely detracted from the sheer fun and frivolity. The story is not always clear or as concise as it could be, and didn’t always carry that infectious Christmassy feel that it perhaps could, but the production stays faithful to the story’s central themes of compassion and seeing beyond outward appearances. Chris Moreno and his entire creative team have put on a dependable and professionally mounted version that prioritises charm, spectacle and entertainment.

Beauty and the Beast is running at the Grimsby Auditorium, at various times, until 30th December 2025. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

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