Pantomime’s are a staple of our festive entertainment and we have our fair share of them right across South Wales. Our first dip into this annual tradition was at The Riverfront in Newport last night for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
Over the years I have seen many annual shows, I’ve even played in one or two myself, but the production they delivered at one of the city’s favourite venues felt like a step back to the good old traditions of panto, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. In fact this is something the entire team pride themselves on, delivering a show that is family friendly in the truest sense of the word. And I can tell you they have done just that.
First of all, here’s some reaction from last night’s audience, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Newport. We also spoke to some of the team and cast of the show after they came off stage……
Back again for another year of festivities is Newport favourite, RICHARD ELIS as Mickey Muggins. He’s been performing in The Riverfront’s panto for many years and clearly knows the audience better than most. We were all chuffed to be part of Mickey’s gang, and really loved the moment he came into the audience to entertain us, close up.
There are some great stand out moments in the show, but Beaurty really gives everyone a chance to shine, and I think the packed theatre really appreciate that.
ALED PUGH is also back in Newport this time as Mayor Murgatroyd, one of the baddies of the piece. I couldn’t help but feel there was a touch of Kenneth Williams up on stage at times and also another Carry On favourite Charles Hawtrey. Aled gave a brilliant performance, and even delivered a Hamilton favourite, which somehow felt right in this show.
Every panto needs a good Dame and this is now exception in the shape of GARETH TEMPEST who returns to the Newport stage again. He give a great Dame Muggins and had a couple of cheeky flirty moments with Mayor Murgatroyd.
The other baddie of the piece is another familiar face from last year. PHOEBE HOLMES, is Hecate the witch. She has some fantastic interaction with the audience, and actually gives as good as we throw at her most of the time.
There’s a few new faces to this years show. If you were fortunate enough to see The Riverfront’s recent co-production, Bitcoin Boi, you’ll recognise ALEX PARRY who plays Rose’s Dad and gamekeeper of the Castle grounds, Hedwin.
LONDIWE MTHEMBU is Fairygoodheart and has that difficult role of remembering all the rhymes that go alongside the story, which she did masterfully I might add.
Of course the panto demands you have a Beauty and that is taken on by Newport born ELIAN WEST, who is thrilled to be performing at home for Christmas, as you may have seen in our film above. As a character, Beauty has evolved over the years and Elian brought the perfect blend of sass and determination to her character.
Finally HUGO JOSS CATTON is Prince Hilarion, who becomes the Beast after he falls under the witches spell. He plays a fine part winning both us in the audience over while getting the attention of Beauty after cupids bow lands one right where it matters – when you see the show you’ll know what I mean.
It’s a large cast this year with a terrific ensemble who keep the show, and dance routines moving along at a fair old pace. There is however one other star for me and that’s the Musical Director DYFAN JONES. From my seat I could easily see him surrounded by the largest bank of keyboard which really filled the auditorium with a great sound.
What is so good about the Newport panto is they always proudly step away from ‘norm’. When they say it is for the whole family, they really mean it. There is absolutely no smut or double entendres, in fact, the closest we got was a reference to there being more jelly on a boy jelly baby. You will have no concerns about taking any member of the family along to the show and having to explain anything a little ‘untoward’.
I have to say, it’s a long time since I’ve heard an audience so enthusiastic during a show. The kids yelled and screamed with incredible volume. There was even a point where a group of young lads, a few rows in front of me, got up and danced along with the Taylor Swift number at the end. I don’t mean a little jig, but full-on Swifty routine dancing to the entire number – it was a real joy to watch.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is at The Riverfront in Newport through to 6th January. Tickets for the hugely popular Pantomime are now on sale on The Riverfront’s website – HERE or you can contact their Box Office team on 01633 656757.
