Review: Beauty and the Beast at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] It’s panto week and you might have noticed a stream of reviews coming your way this week, from the very latest shows happening in 2023 around Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire!

Tonight’s Pantomime is at one of the most magical venues, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and I love it here!  As we walk through the historic town filled with Tudor buildings and winding streets, arriving at the old Victorian theatre, this creates the perfect atmosphere to get us into the Christmas spirit.

We arrived on Gala Night and were all greeted by the staff at Gatehouse and a very special Santa – who was so endearing and made my children’s day by playing along with them throughout the night.

Produced by Imagine Theatre Ltd, this year’s show is Beauty and the Beast – The Enchanting Family Pantomime!  starring Mark Rhodes (from the comedic CBBC duo Sam & Mark), alongside Wendy Abrahams and Theo the Mouse as himself! (puppeteered by the very talented Wink Taylor).

Keep on reading for our latest review of the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Pantomime.

What we thought of this year’s pantomime

This performance was extra special due to it being the Gala Night, so not only did we get the chance to see this show we were also kindly gifted access to the VIP section where we had unlimited cake, sweets and drinks to enjoy before the show and during the interval. They also had some great entertainment in the form of a local choir singing Christmas songs and a talented singer singing show style Christmas tunes. All getting us ready for the panto…

Beauty and the Beast is a much-loved story and this version of Beauty and the Beast – The Enchanting Pantomime follows the same fairytale as you will all know and love but with the classic added extras you get from Christmas time Pantos. Stafford Gatehouse pantos are always filled with great quality performers and this year’s was no exception. The cast included Mark Rhodes, as French Frank, Wendy Abrahams as Wendy the Enchantress and David Phipps-Davis as Dame Madeline Marzipan (and Frank’s mother!) and many more we’ll mention later.

The production was fantastic and like all other Stafford Gatehouse pantos they quite literally never take themselves too seriously, which makes a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The singing by all the cast was amazing but the most beautiful voice could be heard by Celyn Cartwright who played Belle.

Wendy the Enchantress accompanied by Theo the Mouse, French Frank (Mark Rhodes) and Dame Madeline were on hand creating the funniest scenes with classic slap stick humour, that had us all cracked up throughout. The baddy was played by Neil Moors as Benedict Bourbon and was a light-hearted baddy but got boos all the same! Plus plenty of laughs as he rode around on his invisible horse! Beast/Prince Pierre played by Jonathan Alden, had the deepest and most apt voice to play this part but for me my favourite character (sorry Mark!) was Professor Potage (Belles father) played by Wink Taylor, who’s circus skills and comic timing shone through and very much made us belly laugh during his scenes (plus as Theo the Mouse!)

My kids particularly enjoyed all the outfits (all dessert and sweet themed) that the Dame wore, each generating fits of giggles each time a new one was worn.

As you can see, we had a blast at this year’s panto and Stafford Gatehouse is especially great if you want an intimate performance that you won’t get in the larger theatres.  So get yourselves to Stafford Gatehouse where you will feel part of the performance and leave having had lots of laughs!

Cast

French Frank – Mark Rhodes
Wendy the Enchantress – Wendy Abrahams
Dame Madeline Marzipan – David Phipps-Davis
Beast/Prince Pierre – Jonathan Alden
Belle – Celyn Cartwright
Benedict Bourbon – Neil Moors
Himself – Theo the Mouse
Professor Potage – Wink Taylor
Ensemble/Understudy – Cassidy Cannonier
Ensemble/Understudy – Charlie Hale
Ensemble/Understudy – Alice Oberg
Ensemble/Understudy- Ben Wilby

Creatives

Clive Fishlock – Musical Director/Keys
Barry Smith – Lighting Designer
Chris Murray – Sound Designer
Christos Dante – Fight Director

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £21 to £31 (concessions and group discount available).

How do I book tickets to watch BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.  There is also a Relaxed Performance on Sunday, December 17, for guests who might want a quieter panto experience. Please contact the Box Office for details.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will run until Sunday, 31 December 2023.  The evening shows will run at either 5.30pm or 7pm while the matinee shows will be shown at 1pm, 2pm or 3pm and there are also morning shows at 11am. There will also be a relaxed and signed performance as well on Sunday, 17 December.

Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080

Where to park?

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building.

You may want to read this:

Review: Cinderella at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: Peter Pan Pantomime at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood Panto at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre