When it comes to Christmas in Newcastle, while a Festive Bake might claim to be the ultimate cockle warmer, there really is nothing like a pantomime to give your seasonal cheer levels an almighty boost.
And, in Beauty and the Beast, the Tyne Theatre have a show that is full of warmth, heart, humour and fabulous costumes. Who needs an electric blanket when you have the magic of panto on a bitterly cold night in the Toon? The theatrical equivalent of a roaring fire or electric blanket, Beauty and the Beast opened on Friday night to a near packed house and with all the charm of Del Boy giving it the hard sell down the market in an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special.
That’s largely down to its stellar cast. Just like another production just up the road, which has a double act who have cemented themselves in Geordie panto folklore, the Tyne Theatre pantomimes would feel just plain wrong now without Charlie Richmond and Lewis Denny. As well as being the perfect foil for each other in all manner of scenes, individually they are a festive force to be reckoned with.
READ MORE: Newcastle's Beth Clarke lands lead role in Tyne Theatre pantomime
Lewis may have a huge following on social media as Karen the Mam, but no one will be asking to speak to the manager about his performance. As his latest on stage alter ego, Brenda Brexit, he is exuberant, energetic and has a wardrobe that is straight from the catwalks of Milan, via a trip round the McDonald’s drive thru!
Panto partner in crime Charlie is as Geordie as a night on the Bigg Market or a seat in the Gallowgate end at St James’ Park. Oozing both fantastic comic timing and sheer joy for what he does, the veritable veteran of Tyne Theatre pantos makes the brilliantly names Daveed Granola a real treat.
When it comes to chart stars, audiences on Westgate Road get a 2 for 1 deal this Christmas. Fresh from the news that the band will be coming to Newcastle on their reunion tour next year, Union J star JJ Hamblett is a roaring success as the Beast, with his great acting mirrored by his splendid singing, with Somebody to Love a real highlight.
And, making things look ‘Easy’ and with the sweetness of a piping hot gingerbread latte, Sugababe Amelle Berrabah is the resident Fairy with panto magic running through her core and some sass up her sleeve, there for all to see in the Moulin Rouge inspired opening to proceedings.
Having won the role of Belle after answering a call out for a local lass to play the part, Beth Clarke does Newcastle and herself proud as the plucky heroine with a stubbornness and self assurance that is only marched by her singing. If your kids, or you, because, let’s be honest who doesn’t, love the Greatest Showman, you will want to witness Beth and JJ’s duet of Rewrite the Stars as it shines bright as one of the stand out moments of the show.
Every pantomime needs a villain, but if truth be told, its hard to hate Micky Cochrane as Anton du Berke. The Gaston of the hour, yes he is arrogant, chauvinistic and overbearing, but with a French accent straight off the set of Allo Allo, he is also suave, debonair and highly entertaining.
If you have a ticket for Beauty and the Beast this Christmas, do NOT lose your 3D glasses given to you on your way in, as the segment of the show you’ll need them for is magnificent. A word of warning though, maybe make friends with the person next to you in the row, as chances are, you might be grabbing onto them!
While as a whole production, Beauty and the Beast will cement itself as a hot ticket in town this festive season, it’s the second half where it really comes into its own and if you’re a kid of the 90s or 00s, prepare to lose your light up wand at the Sugagabes and Union J medley in the finale!
With a generous helping of topical references that will leave Harry and Meghan’s ears burning, jokes galore, Geordie goodness and even some Lizzo, this year’s Tyne Theatre pantomime is as current as it is traditional.
You might not be able to hurry love, but you should definitely hurry along to the box office to get a ticket.
*Beauty and the Beast is running at the Tyne Theatre until Sunday, January 8. Tickets and more info HERE
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