Beauty and the Beast at the Marlowe - a roaringly good show for the whole family

Christmas is less than a month away which means that panto season has officially begun. Across Kent, our beloved theatres are putting on a wonderful array of productions filled to the brim with cheesy jokes, foot-tapping tunes and plenty of audience participation - get your best ‘oos’ and ‘ahhs’ at the ready.

One of our county’s undeniable favourites is the yearly pantomime at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, and for very good reason. Hailed far and wind for its unbeatable energy, excellent production and star-studded casts, its return is eagerly anticipated every festive season.

Following on from the success of Aladdin in 2023, this year the theatre is teaming up with Evolution Productions for a show that takes inspiration from another Disney classic. Beauty and the Beast is now showing in Canterbury and marks the 20th pantomime produced by The Marlowe and Evolution.

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After being stunned by last year’s offering, I couldn’t wait to see just what was in store this time around. As ever, Beauty and the Beast at the Marlowe (sort of) follows the story of the classic tale we all know and love, intercut with jukebox musical numbers, laugh out loud gags and lots of opportunities for the little ones to yell out to the cast on stage, or nudge their parents for not getting involved enough.

EastEnders star Maisie Smith trades in the streets of Albert Square to make her panto debut in the lead role of Belle. She is joined by returning Phil Gallagher, better known as hit children’s TV entertainer Mr Maker, in the role of Belle's brother Phillipe Fillop (get it?).

Rounding out our core cast is The Marlowe’s resident dame Ben Roddy, whose side-splitting comedy chops are on point as ever this year. Theatre legend Jocasta Almgill plays Cupid, our narrator and guide through the story who has a number of opportunities to flex her impressive vocals throughout, all while adding bringing more fantastic energy to the show.

Richard David-Caine, member of the core cast in CBBC’s Horrible Histories, also makes his Marlowe panto debut as the dastardly Danton who is trying to win Belle’s affections, but is in fact far more infatuated with himself. Finally, Joseph Hewlett brings Prince Henri, who is transformed into the Beast early on, to life, using brilliant physicality to convey the character’s animalistic nature and also delivering some great vocal performances.

Overall this was another stellar pantomime from The Marlowe, and one that’s sure to please the whole family with a little something for all ages to enjoy. Personal highlights for me included the moments of hilarious improv dotted throughout which led to some hilarious reactions and interactions between the cast.

As ever, the actual staging and production is just top notch, transporting you away to the story’s various fantastical settings across the 2.5 hour run time with beautifully crafted sets. In particular, a brilliant practical effect in the second act left myself and seemingly the entire theatre amazed.

I dare not spoil what that effect was here, but believe me, you’ll know it when you see it. Maisie is brilliant in the role of Belle, bringing a refreshing and modern take on the character, while getting stuck into the comedic and theatrical elements of the performance perfectly.

Ben and Phil’s comedic chemistry together is just a delight to watch, and is enhanced with the addition of Tyler Collins, who plays sentient candle Bougie and got plenty of big laughs from the audience. Richard’s Danton also gets some real laugh-out-loud moments and slotted excellently into the cast.

The music throughout comprises a mixture of classic pop songs and hit show tunes, which are sure to have you dancing in your seat and are all expertly performed by the theatre’s talented musicians. Musical director Chris Wong is celebrating his 30th season at The Marlowe, and has a special role in this year’s panto to celebrate.

If you’re struggling to decide which of the many Kent pantos to go to this year, then Beauty and the Beast certainly gets my recommendation. The show is now running until Sunday, January 12 and ticket prices range from £70 to £17. Find out more about all the festive fun to be had in Canterbury here .