Christmas is coming (oh yes it is!) which can only mean one thing, it’s panto time! This year’s festive treat at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Beauty and the Beast is the fastest-selling pantomime in the theatre’s history. With a phenomenal 24,291 tickets already sold, audiences should book now to avoid disappointment! It runs from 30 November – 7 January.
In the beautiful romantic city of Paris, Prince Friedrich is turned into a hideous Beast by a wicked witch. Can Cupid work his magic and find a great Beauty for him to fall in love with to break the terrible curse? Come along on this magical adventure to see if love really can conquer all.
Boys and girls of all ages can boo the wicked witch Spite, giggle at the hilarious travelling sweet seller Dame Betty Bonbon and join in Charlie Cupid’s silly matchmaking games. Beauty and the Beast has it all – gorgeous sets, colourful costumes, silly slapstick, lots of laughter and most importantly plenty of audience participation.
This festive extravaganza is bursting with some of the best chart-toppers and dancefloor anthems over the decades! These include Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepson), Shut Up And Dance With Me (Walk The Moon), Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), Bat Out Of Hell (Meatloaf), Here I Go Again (Whitesnake) and many more.
The cast includes Oliver Beamish, William Brand, Molly-Grace Cutler, James Lawrence, Oliver Lynes, Sarah Mahoney, Holly Mallett, Daniella Piper and Al Twist. They will be supported by a talented Young Company, a cast of 30 local schoolchildren.
Created by the same team of last year’s smash-hit spectacular Cinderella – it is written by Andrew Pollard, directed by Martin Berry, with set and costume design by Keith Orton, lighting by Prema Mehta and sound by James Cook.
Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 30 November – 7 January. Tickets are £12.50 – £29, with discounts for groups and under 26s. To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333, visit the theatre in person, or go online at queens-theatre.co.uk