Gladstone Theatre excels with Beauty and the Beast in panto
It’s the festive season once more and that also means it’s pantomime season. This year is no exception, so on Sunday 10th December, presenter Steve Evans headed to the evening performance at the Gladstone Theatre. He was warmly welcomed by Georgia Dillon, Events and Marketing Manager at the Port Sunlight venue.
The main notice board of the Gladstone Theatre advertising Beauty and the Beast
In typical panto style, Beauty and the Beast had it all. Slapstick comedy superbly choreographed and produced by Jamie-Leigh Christian and directed and produced by Laura Newnes of Dreamworld Entertainments. They stamped their mark on the panto with their unique style and adapted storyline. Acted out with great professionalism by the actors and dancers, both were exceptionally talented.
Credit: Imagination Photographers
The quality of acting and timing to the special effects was nothing short of hilarious as they were often late reacting, or a prop fell apart, or a wig slipped off – but that was all part of the fun. They made it look like it was part of the script for the extra belly laughs from the capacity audience. The sharp but subtle one-liners thrown in. The extraordinary brilliantly performed pheasant plucking act, played out with such hilarity, with more than one dubious ‘mistake’ swear word making an appearance. Others like “show me the beast,” with the quick reply, “I’ll show you my beast.” Not forgetting the ‘he’s behind you’ routine similar to last year, but still as outrageously funny and perfectly executed on stage.
Several of the actors were returning once again after previous pantos at the Gladstone Theatre, in no particular order, Darren John Langford as Gaston, Conor Barrie who plays the Prince and the Beast. Jenna Sian O’Hara who is the Enchantress of the Rose and Papa Gerard whilst the hilarious Shania Pain plays Mrs. Potter - all returning with aplomb. New to panto, but no stranger to stage or screen is children’s favourite Lenny Wood as Le Fool, and last but not least, the beautiful Melissa Weston who plays with amazing class the leading role of Belle.
Melissa and Conor as Belle and the Prince/Beast pose for photos afterwards
Both Belle and The Prince were popular with the younger element of the audience, many of whom queued afterwards for photos with the ‘Beauty and the (Prince) Beast.’ Melissa and Conor were only too pleased to pose with a host of excited children of all ages. Gaston played by Darren didn’t make a further appearance after the show, but he just loves playing a panto villain, excelling in his role the more the audience booed. “Don’t you just love me”? Brought plenty of boos and hisses as the children shouted witty obscenities at him.
Belle and the Dance Ensemble and Junior Dancers - credit Imagination Photography
Huge credit to the spectacular Dance Ensemble of Mia Molloy as Dance Captain, Penny Murphy, Alex Patmore, and Cole Porter. The energy they put into dancing was enough to mesmerise you. They were more than ably assisted by the Juvenile Dancers of Red, Blue, and Yellow teams who were so enthusiastic performing various dances throughout the whole performance.
Finaly credit to Dreamworld Entertainments founders, Jamie-Leigh Christian, and Laura Newnes, who with their expansive talents have produced innovative theatrical entertainment for the whole family now since 2016.
This panto is a must see for everyone. Yes, even those who have no children like our Steve who still hasn’t stopped giggling and raving about another excellent panto by Dreamworld Entertainments at the enchanting Gladstone Theatre.
Credit to Imagination Photography for the second, last main picture and gallery pictures.
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