This year I’ve seen the spectacular at Milton Keynes, the lower budget but just as much fun at Wellingborough, the villain steal the show at Northampton and now the perfect pantomime in Shrewsbury! Beauty and the Beast has everything, great “proper” sets (not digital), fabulous costumes and the six main characters, each with their own skills brilliantly cast.

Brad Fitt as Madame Bellie Philoppe (Belly Flop, get it?) maybe laid back and relaxed in his approach, but it works and he has the packed audience hanging on his every word – and woe betide any hecklers who take on his razor sharp wit! Nurse Nelly’s costumes are utterly brilliant, completely original but outrageously funny!

Without doubt comedy juggler Tommy J Rollason (this year’s BGT) is completely at home in Panto. He plays Philippe Philoppe (flip flop – there’s another one!) with such energy and the most engaging style you’ll see on stage this year! Tommy J is an absolute natural and highly talented, keep your eye out for this name to get really big! Both he and Brad make the most of Paul Hendy’s pun-packed script! 

Disney Channel’s Samantha Dorrance is a beautiful Beauty who makes falling in love with this hideous beast (played with great charm and some strong singing by Tom Carter-Miles) seem the most natural thing in the world! 

Kane Oliver Parry plays Danton who firmly believes he’s the answer to every woman’s prayer! Kane gets the joke and plays it for all it’s worth!

I must mention the most engaging fairy you ever saw! Jo Osmond plays Fairy Nuff (there’s another) with lots of bossy-boots and humour! She put me in mind of Gladys Pugh in Hi Di Hi. In fact, if anyone is thinking of a remake…….

You’ve only got until the 8th January to see this great show and it’s almost sold out – so make a move today!

Verdict: if you have to, kill for a ticket!

Beauty and the Beast is at Theatre Severn until 8th January

Box office: 01743 281281 or online theatresevern.co.uk