The time has come for festivities finally to kick off, and there is no better way to start than with the annual King’s Theatre Christmas panto. The director Kathryn Rooney returns after the success of last year’s Cinderella (for which she won Best Director at the Great British Pantomime Awards in 2019) and delivers another great show.
This year the audience is invited to join the adventures of Mrs Potty (the fantastic Elaine C Smith), Jack Potty (the hilarious Johnny Mac) and Shuggie (the unforgettable Darren Brownlie) in this Beauty and the Beast pantomime. The chemistry between this trio is incredible and the banter between them is what makes the show truly special. The younger and older audience alike howls with laughter whenever those three are on stage.
Belle who has been dreaming of a happier life sets off on an adventure and ends up in a cursed castle where she is captured by a beast. The castle turns out to be a magical place which has been put under a spell by an evil enchantress. The audience is taken on a journey of friendship and unconditional love. The show loosely follows the main points of the story with lots of funny interactions with the audience and many sketches from the main trio. The songs in this panto will have you up and dancing, however there is also a chance for reflection, slower pace and magic when Belle and the Beast get their dance.
There is something very special about panto’s that manage successfully to engage with the audience and connect with locals. During the show children were invited to join in the fun on stage, bringing extra sparkle to the show. Adults were not spared and some were picked out of the audience for various jokes. The Scottish, and especially Glaswegian, references work incredibly well and land favourably with the audience.
Brought to you by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, audiences can expect special effects and plenty of participation as they enjoy the magic of live theatre. The special effects in this year’s production are outstanding and will make you clap with joy. Every year the production just gets better and better and you’re left in awe of the possibilities that are out there now to bring the show to life. The director Kathryn Rooney returns after last year’s success of Cinderella.
With over 85,000 theatregoers attending the King’s Theatre panto every year, you won’t want to miss this one. This production does not disappoint; full of magic and wonder from the very beginning, it makes for a wonderful night out for the whole family. Beauty and the Beast at the King’s Theatre is a fantastic show which will fill you with happiness and excitement for more festivities to come.
With thanks to Joanna Zuchowska for this review.
