I’m escorted in by kind looking folk embellished with oversized ears, stag antlers and wrapped in red felt. I’m met with promising castle turrets each side of the stage, intricately painted…and an even more immaculately painted backdrop plastered upon the curtain, smothered in festive hues of lime green, scarlet and a hint of blue.
I know instantly that I am proud of our little town’s pantomime; that a lot of true graft has been put into place to certify that your tickets are not wasted money - these tickets are worth their while.
The intro music runs on with a series of well-known bangers spilling out of the PA. Although I felt these tunes roll on for a little longer than I would expect, we’re suddenly immersed into a fantastical paradise of colour, immaculate costumes and a sense that the cast are as close as they are on stage as they are in the dressing room. A sense of community oozes from each one of these actors and there is an emotional touch that not many other pantomimes, primarily in urban areas, could provide.
As the play rolls on, scenes dunk me into atmospheres of intensity, absolute hilarity and hysterics - and I know I keep bringing this up, but the costumes are ON POINT!
Some elements of the script are tricky for the audience to absorb, such as the concept of the character ‘Seymour Bottom’ - we are told to remember his surname so that we greet him with ‘Hiya Bottom!’ whenever he flounces onto the stage, but towards the wrap up of the show, 90% of the audience forget his name making it a tad awkward…but that is drowned out by the power of the lead actors’ vocals, captivating both the little princesses in the audience finally sighting a real-life damsel, and the grown adults longing to be the captivating, universally-charming cast themselves. Songs such as Rag ‘N’ Bone Man’s ‘Human’ and a medley of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ and Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’ catch me out as my breath is somewhat taken by the beastly vocals of the Beast. Likewise, the sweet and melodic tones of Belle - accompanied by her soft vibrato and captivating, genuine smile - likely leave a lot of women feeling slightly jealous of the beautiful, skilled damsel!
The song sheet engages the audience one final time before my personal favourite pantomime scene - the wedding at the end - is executed incredibly, and again it gives the feeling that the cast are united, even though perhaps the characters they play are the opposite. Every sequin that went onto Belle’s wedding frock catches the light and radiates round the room inspiring the four-year-old, soon-to-be princesses…
I think it’s very safe to say as soon as I wander out of the Assembly Rooms, my mind is drenched in pride for Ludlow, our little yet mighty market town who know how to put on a convincing and heartwarming performance to grip the parents and the youngsters growing up in this rural area, with little opportunities for entertainment like this.
It may not be West End standard…but for the sticks, it’s one of the most enthralling and exciting performances yet.
Get tickets to see Beauty and the Beast Pantomime at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, showing every day until 31st December 2024.
A fab reivew, detailing all the classic panto requirements - oh yes it does!