Sell out panto was a 'beauty' and one of the best I've seen this season

WHEN the curtains rise and the sound of Good Morning Petite Fois - a take on the Hairspray's opening song - begins the audience quickly learns this pantomime is unlike the Disney version. It is arguably better. For an amateur non-profit community production, which is all in aid of St Richard's Hospice, Powick Players set the bar high with their sell out version of Beauty and the Beast last night (Wednesday).

It's a pantomime as old as time - but this production's topical jokes, modern sing-along songs, and jaw-dropping dame outfits puts it right in the 21st century. Belle (Heather Patterson), the protagonist of this tale, had all the traits of a Disney princess and displayed the voice of one. THE STAGE WAS SET: Our features reporter, Charlotte Albutt reviewed the show on Wednesday.



(Image: Newsquest) Patterson worked well alongside her colleague Christopher Newbould (The Beast), who had us all rooting for him through his transformation from bad to good. Among the stars of the show was our dame, Nurse Aloe Vera (Jackson Holt), and our delicious baddie Sacre Bleu (Gemma Chan). The two were fabulous and a true delight to see on stage.

Mr Holt's skills in wearing six-inch heels and the tallest headdress I have ever seen on stage were also highly commendable. *Please let me know the number of your tailor - your outfits were divine* There was an effortless camaraderie between the dame and her son Brie (Tom Dalton), and their partnership and occasional off-script improvisation were great to watch. Mr Dalton provided the children with nothing short of a joy.

Our other antagonists, Gaston (Ollie Roberts) and Clochard (Georgia Sproul), slotted into the comedic rhythm of the show from the moment they entered the stage and left. The entire cast’s rapport was so natural - from Dick the Candle Stick (Matthew Heels) to Papa (Ian Hardman). I loved watching this pantomime and would rank it as the best I have seen this season - and I have reviewed a lot this year.

With a panto like this under their belt, I wonder how Powick Players can top this with next year's Cinderella. I look forward to revisiting Nunnery Wood High School in February 2026 and seeing what I imagine will be another stellar performance. Beauty and the Beast is performed at Nunnery Wood High School until February 22.

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