**** (4 stars)
“A Joyously Enchanting Pantomime!”
The team at Stage Door Entertainment return to there home of the Portobello Town Hall for there third pantomime season with a joyously enchanting pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast. This time a brand-new cast is joined by new writer and director Mark Kydd at the helm accompanied by Musical Director Tommie Travers and Choreographer Aiden O’Brien.
This is very much a show of two acts with act one feeling very much like a glorious children’s Christmas show in the vein of Edinburgh’s Lyceum or Glasgow’s Tron Theatres. Which then gives way to a second act that ramps up the panto goodness to give a wonderfully balanced show that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Set in the world of old Portobello the familiar tale of a Prince, the gorgeous Grant Maciver, following a selfish act is condemned by the curse of the wicked enchantress Beira, Christine Mills in wickedly wonderful form, to live life as a hideous Beast. He must learn to love and feel loves true kiss before the last petal of the rose falls. Here enters Bella, Sarah Alexandra Brown and her father Laird Murdo, Christopher Craig who stumble upon the castle and encounter Dame Bonnie Scone, a wonderfully Doric Alex Westwood and her son Tattie Scone, Ross Jamieson debuting in the comic role. With a little help from the good spirit Will-o, Erin Robertson. They set out to defeat the wicked Beira and who knows may love keen sting will show its face along the way.
Performances are uniformly wonderful throughout especially in act one which relies on great acting to unfold the well-paced story which is peppered with well-judged songs. MacIver’s Prince/ Beast is excellently realized with just enough edge to be scary to the little ones but also letting that giant heart shine through. Craig Laird Murdo is bumbling and charming in equal measure and plays well against Aleandra Brown’s Disney princess type “Bella” and she has the vocal chops to match the character in spades. Christine Mills is a triumph of a baddie really mining the material to bring out the villainy of Beira to wonderful effect. Robertson delivers well as Will-O adding a real mythical flavor to the overall production. Jamieson proves he is made for the comic role as Tattie Scone and gives a good dash of silly laddie which the audience greets with genuine warmth. The standout must be Alex Westwood sublime Dame Bonnie Scott. This is a warm heart old school dame character, very much a man in frock style but with a lovely hint of doric Aberdeen that gives the whole show additional charm. The principals are joined by six sets of eight babes who shine especially when delivering Aiden O’Brien’s stylized and inventive choreography.
Production wise this is a pantomime that’s utterly charming with Stage Doors Set featuring a giant story book really supporting the magical feeling that runs deep throughout this show. This is boosted by Laura Hawkins exquisite lighting design really making the most of the venue as well illuminating the story in fabulous style. Ian Cunningham’s sound design is well up the job ensuring every line and lyric is heard and the balance between vocals and pre recorded tracks is pitch perfect. Musical Director Tommie Travers delivers the goods with an inspired selection of songs, including a hilarious nod to the Disney musical and special mention must also go to his divine musical underscore which is a triumph of its own. One thing that would see the show scale even further heights would by to have even a small live band, but this might just happen in a future panto. Lesley O’Brien delivers a truly regal and royal costume design and ensures as panto tradition dictates, that the dame gets more than one outrageous frock to wear!
Director and Writer Mark Kydd has delivered well with lush blending of Christmas show meets pantomime and even the classic “Ghost” and “Kitchen” sketches make an appearance and are executed well.
Stage Door entertainment has delivered a panto which is a real step up for them and puts the tale as old as time at its heart and brings a real Christmas treat to the heart of portobello and ensures excellent value for the ticket money that makes this Beauty and the Beast a must see this festive season.
Stage Door Entertainment presents Beauty and The Beast, The Pantomime, Portobello Town Hall runs until Sunday 28th December for more information and tickets go to: Panto Tickets | Stage Door
ScotsGay Arts 