REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast at Playhouse Whitley Bay

Beauty and the Beast

Playhouse Whitley Bay

Until Saturday 3 January 2026

At last! A pantomime that is not afraid to be both traditional and entertaining. In Steve Walls's 15th year at the North Tyneside venue we have a show that celebrates the British tradition of a show that has plenty of jokes, songs and a story that entertains everyone. 

In a year when the professional shows have ditch young dancers ("panto babes") and stopped the peril of bringing children up from the audience during community singing (...and hats off to Seaton Delaval Panto Society for being the other show wiling to keep the tradition), it is nice to see one show that involves the audience throughout the action and not just as an afterthought. If you haven't picked it up - I really loved this one. Seriously I have seen this show grow, year-on-year, with Steve's first outing on this stage, the arrival on Dan Mawston as Dame Patsy and the ingenious arrival of The Bench. But at its heart, it never forgets that for the two hours - the audience is key to make the show work.

Mary J Proud returns, this year as the Fairy of the North and proves that it is possible to narrative this story without being irritating. (Sorry - still annoyed at what we witnessed yesterday in Newcastle, but I digress). We are introduced to Chris McLeish as the Prince who becomes a Beast after he refuses refuge to an old traveller. Dame Patsy makes the mistake of stumbling across his abode and is imprisoned in his castle. 

Bella (Dani Harmer, of CBBC Tracey Beaker fame) has being looked after by Patsy since she was very young and she feels obliged to rescue her. She is followed by Gaston (Stylianos Thomadakis) who cannot understand why Belle is not interested in him, Gaston's side kick Le Shue (Simon Barnard) and of course Patsy's son Frank (Steve Walls). 

The show keeps the traditional elements like the messy scene in the kitchen and of course the Ghostbusters themed take-off scene with the legend that is The Bench. I'm sure there will be visiting cast to the show that have the Bench explained to them in rehearsal that won't appreciate it until it arrives on stage and the kids go crazy. The noise they make as they scream about the ghost is one of the loudest reactions in the North East panto scene this year.

This is a pantomime that sticks to telling the story but packs in the gags and jokes throughout. There is a very special effect that enables Steve Walls to soak people without running up the stairs this year - but no spoilers here. It is a big step up from the days of the old flying carpet on a crane!

Steve Walls is the fearless comic who is willing to involve the crowd despite their unpredictability. He keeps the jokes going at a rate that would please Barry Cryer. He keeps the momentum going. Likewise Dame Patsy rules their roost and is filling the traditional Dame role with a presence.

Dani Harmer brings charm to her role and goes on a journey with the Beast rather than looking like the outcome is inevitable. The show has elements of the Disney version, yet feels very much like the Playhouse panto.

The show has a troupe of committed dancers - both youngsters and professionals - who add movement and colour to the dance numbers. The songs range from this year's chart to some much older songs, especially with the party mix at the end.

The pantomime was wonderful and we all left with smiles on our faces. A strong cast, fabulous costumes and a show that flew by. We'll have to do it again, won't we?!?

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets: https://axs-uk.sjv.io/RGx1LN

Tickets are now on sale for next year's panto: Snow White https://axs-uk.sjv.io/YR51jP