Theatre Review: Beauty and the Beast at Ludlow Assembly Rooms

In partnership with Ludwig Theatre Arts at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, this reimagined Christmas pantomime take on ‘Beauty and the Beast’ proves it really is a tale as old as time.

Theatre Review: Beauty and the Beast at Ludlow Assembly Rooms

On 13th December, I had the opportunity to experience something Christmassy, magical and musical – a tale as old as time reimagined for a modern era. My first panto at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, in partnership with Ludwig Theatre Arts: Beauty and the Beast

Guided and greeted by the merry staff, I followed the cheery shape trail leading to the familiar auditorium, except that it had been given a fairytale transformation. It was almost unrecognisable and spirits were high.

Having only watched the televised broadcasts of the classic CBeebies pantos, I did not know what to expect. For one, the volume of jokes and puns integrated into the script – some referencing the local area and a few (more than a few) political in nature – elicited a few snickers and chuckles, or the occasional disbelieved gasp and uncomfortable shift.

Overall, what stood out to me was the uniqueness of the production. I took great glee in how the show fleshed out characters like Misrabell and Seymour Bottom, who weren’t in the original story. From the audience’s reactions, they were also crowd favourites. In comparison to the traditional tale where we primarily follow the female lead of the story and are given only glimpses of the beast's perspective and feelings, Ludlow's Beauty and the Beast puts refreshing emphasis on the inner angst over the prince-turned-beast's actions, reminding us he’s only human. 

A beautiful thing about pantomime as an art form is the change and imagination the production company can bring to the original stories, and boy do they use their creative freedom to the full here. Pantos are original pieces of art in their own right, just like the original works they are inspired by. 

From the start, the kids in the audience were energetic and jovial and, by the second act, so were the adults, all joining in classic panto fashion. Seeing panto live is a very different experience to watching it on the telly or your phone screen. The atmosphere is irreplaceable. This is a familiar but different rendition of Beauty and the Beast, packed with feel-good dance numbers, stunning talent, and cheesy twists. This year’s Christmas pantomime at Ludlow Assembly Rooms is not one to be missed this season.

Performing every night up to New Year’s Eve, tickets available until 31st December 2024.

Header Image Credit: Ludlow Assembly Rooms

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