This year, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre tells a tale as old as time, with razzmatazz, spectacle, and a big dollop of panto fun. Beauty And The Beast features skilled performers from the world of musical theatre, the ubiquitous Grand live band, and an ensemble with very fancy footwork - not to mention the theatre debut of a ‘giant’ TV personality…

For the second year running, comedy duo Tam Ryan and Ian Adams have collaborated to write the script - this time with a distinctly French flavour (Oui, Oui!) and a part that's tailor-made for a Gladiator. Namely, Jamie Christian Johal - appropriately known as Giant - who found fame in the BBC’s revival of Gladiators last January. This marks Giant’s first foray into Pantoland, and resplendent in his shiny centurion’s outfit (designed by Mark Walters) he certainly looks the part - but how does a Gladiator fit into a French fairytale?

Well - Once upon a time, two powerful magical forces competed to prove whether humanity is, at heart, good or evil. Good Fairy Angelica (one-time SIX queen, Jarnéia Richard-Noel) believes good will triumph, but evil sorcerer Gladius (Giant) has other ideas. He transforms selfish Prince Pascal (Thomas Lowe) into a fearsome beast, and the spell can only be broken if the Beast can find someone who loves him for the man on the inside.

The residents of the nearby village include Belle (Olivia Mitchell), Joey (Tam Ryan) and their mum, Madame Fifi Fou-Fou - the character is a perfect fit for Ian Adams’ ‘classy diva’ Dame. Belle is unwillingly wooed by Monsieur Le Pratt, played by Timothy Lucas, who struts around the stage, providing top-notch physical comedy to match the script’s quickfire gags. 

The show has everything required for a good panto night out - Gladius and Angelica’s sorcery is proper stage magic, and there are spooks in the Beast’s castle. It feels like Ian and Tam have hit their scriptwriting stride, and with Andrew Lynford’s direction, they lead the audience through the story, with nudges, winks, and a big grin. And there must be a shout-out, too, for the random audience member picked to look after the Celebration Scene - a very tasteful and moving choice, well done.

From start to finish, the story runs like clockwork, with belting vocals (Richard-Noel, Lucas and Lowe’s solo moments are particularly memorable) slotted seamlessly into the classic love story. The Grand prides itself on an excellent musical offering, and this year the show definitely delivers, under the musical direction of Rob Murray.

There are also plenty of visual treats in store. The stage is backed by an impressive digital display - but it’s nice to see a cartoonish physical set get covered in slosh, too. Natalie Bennyworth rounds out the spectacle with delightful choreography. And when else can you watch a real-life Gladiator face up to a fearsome Beast?

Five Stars

Beauty And The Beast was reviewed by Jessica Clixby on Wednesday 4 December at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it shows until Sunday 5 January.