A tale as old as time re-told in side splitting production as Fareham Live's Beauty and the Beast panto shines | Review

The best kind of pandemonium unfolded on stage, with Dame Potty, played by Josiah Eloi, and French Frank, played by Paul Burling stealing the hearts of the audience, while also drumming up constant laughing fits - theirs included.

Quick off the mark, Burling, was ready for anything the evening threw at him - including a slop covered mop. His sharp-witted comebacks, even the unscripted ones, all hit where they were supposed to, making him sensational to watch.

The cheesy one-liners, slapstick routines and an unfortunate, yet hilarious, incident whereby Dame Potty’s wig fell off after pretending to slip over - resulting in her shouting ‘I’m not a man’ - all contributed to creating unmatched comedy gold.

Making his debut dame performance Eloi absolutely captivated the crowd - not only with his acting but his wonderfully flamboyant attire which chopped and changed throughoutin the best way possible.

And then we have Tyger Drew-Honey, best known for his childhood role in Outnumbered, who swapped the screen for the stage as he took on the role of Gaston.

Well, well, well... He certainly held his own and was phenomenal in portraying the dense antagonist who’s all looks and no substance, with his trademark muscle flexing and lagging responses.

Marlene the Malevolent, played by Sue Holderness from Only Fools and Horses, was sensational with her witty lines and top notch references to trendy pop-culture which instantly summoned reactions from the younger ones in the crowd.

Belle, played by Mairi Ikegami, and the beast, (Joe Lang), were everything you would expect - and more.

With powerful solos, and a particularly moving performance of the beast singing Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, the pair were clearly made for the stage.

Bethan Searle was so sweet as Fairy Faraway she made my teeth hurt. Everything from her upbeat rhyming to her glitzy outfits and her sugary pink lighting made for the perfect contrast to Marlene.

Not forgetting the ensemble who danced and sung to their heart’s content and should be proud as punch with themselves for a job well done.

Beauty and the Beast will be at Fareham Live until January 4, 2026 - for more information, click here.