Ooh La La Beauty And The Beast In York

Ooh la la, you knew you were in for a night of cheesy jokes when the Belle of the Ball (Jennifer Caldwell) lived in France with her beloved father, Clement (David Alcock), in a village called Camembert! 

It was a case of out with the old and in with the new this year at the Grand Opera House, York, with a brand new writer, creative team, and cast presenting Beauty and the Beast. Appropriately, the show started with a lively ensemble musical number, Brand New Day, choreographed by Alex Codd. 

Polly La Plonk, our new dame, played by experienced panto performer Leon Craig, then made her unforgettable entrance and soon had everyone giggling, including her hapless victim for the evening, good sport Ian, who had made the mistake of sitting in the front row! Phil Reid, portraying her son Louis La Plonk, demonstrated his natural ability to connect with the audience and excel in his comedic role.

Oh my goodness, did Phil Atkinson make a dramatic entrance as Villain Hugo, who was full of pomp and ego, testosterone, and larger-than-life lunges, bouncing all over the stage—definite eye candy—yet most appealing to the young members of the audience with his tongue-in-cheek, saucy swerves.  His Face Frame musical number with the French Fillies won much-deserved applause, as did his sultry Do You Want My Body musical number. Phil’s interaction with the audience and wicked sense of humor made for much mirth and merriment, getting everyone in a festive mood.

David Alcock's extensive experience as a panto performer proved beneficial in his role as Belle's father, Clement. He excelled in the hilarious Dungeon Bars scene with Louis La Plonk, demonstrating a remarkable sense of comic timing alongside Phil Reid.

Dani Harmer was a delight as Fairy Bon Bon and had us all in stitches during a rap scene with Hunky Hugo.

Leon Craig commanded the space every time he appeared as Polly La Plonk and showed razor-sharp wit when ad libbing. The Dame’s costumes never disappointed (Costume Design/Head of Wardrobe Elizabeth Dennis), and the colourful costumes of the cast, along with sparkling sets and imaginative lighting, all added to the magical atmosphere. 

Writer Jon Monie had done a great job with the script, and it was good to follow the well-known story, interspersed with fun slapstick scenes and the much-anticipated and loved Ghost Bench scene (one of my young granddaughter’s favourite scenes), yet adapting the story for the stage, which worked very well, particularly having Polly as The Beast’s housekeeper and the dramatic final fight between The Beast and Hugo.

The biggest surprise was the West End flavour to the show—wow, could The Beast sing! Samuel Wyn-Morris was outstanding in his role of The Beast/Prince, as was Jennifer Caldwell playing Belle, also demonstrating her superb singing skills. All credit to Musical Director Arlene McNaught and her orchestra for their brilliant music throughout the show and to the Ensemble Villagers and Children for their enthusiastic and energetic 
performances.

Fast-paced and modern, this family-friendly production was a big hit on press night. 

Beauty and the Beast Grand Opera House, York, until January 5th 2025