The Pantomime adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is now performing at Fareham Live as the festive season family treat for 2025.
Paul Burling returns in the role of French Frank after his successful performance last year as Buttons in Cinderella. He is accompanied through much of the Pantomime by Josiah Eloi who is making his debut performance as Dame Polly.
Although Eloi has a strong stage presence throughout and looks like a natural in the role. Some actors are perfectly suited to be a Dame and Eloi is one of those. He was completely unfazed when one particular scene became out of hand and his wig came off ( sorry, spoiler alert. The Pantomime Dames wear wigs.) The audience absolutely roared with laughter.
Sue Holderness takes on the role of the “baddie” Marlene the Malevolent, many will remember her from the BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses and will no doubt make the Marlene connection fairly quickly. Don’t be afraid to boo as loudly as you can, Marlene the Malevolent absolutely thrives on it, so bring your best booing voices with you.
Tyger Drew-Honey from the television programme Outnumbered plays the role of Gaston. All muscles and no brains who wants to marry Belle (Mairi Ikegami) and doesn’t stand a chance as Belle is far too intelligent and knows her own mind and self-worth. A positive role model for the younger generation.
The ensemble dancers Tom Fisher-Macvine, David Heal, Risha Tavernier and Poppy Valentine were incredible throughout the performance bringing to life many other elements of the Pantomime. From the wolves summoned by Marlene the Malevolent to the staff working in the Beasts (Joe Lang) palace. I cannot imagine the pressure they have backstage as there’s little time between scene changes.
Choreographer Mitchell Harper alongside director Bryan Hodgson combine great comedy timing, plenty of “baddie” interactions, and a touch of Pantomime magic to Fareham Live this year for all the family. From the audience’s response, the humour is perfectly pitched for all the family with the younger audience members being oblivious to why the adults are laughing, which is just as well.
For more information about Beauty and the Beast and future productions at Fareham Live please use the link below.
Four Stars.
Images from Fareham Live.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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