Magic, laughter and mystery with TV legend and plenty of fart jokes for kids

Beauty and the Beast
The Hexagon
Friday, December 12
Runs to Sunday, January 4

FROM the first moment, as the narrator gleefully declared, “Never judge a story book by its cover”, the audience at the Hexagon was swept into a dazzling whirlwind of magic, laughter and mischief at the Beauty and the Beast pantomime.

As someone who has never watched the Disney classic, that’s exactly what I did, as I sat back in my balcony seat, tucking into one of the four small tubs of ice cream my boyfriend was “sharing”.

At first glance, the stage set-up was astronomical, with an immersive digital set — certainly an upgrade from when I used to dance in theatres.

Festive pantomimers decked out in Christmas hats and jumpers buzzed with excitement, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of children’s TV superstar Justin Fletcher, better known as Mr Tumble, who rolled on to the stage as Arthur Pint atop a hilariously tiny bicycle.

However, the multi-talented cast managed to outperform expectations, with plenty of jokes about farts for the children, including the main pub being in Wigglybottom, songs such as “Jar of farts” by Christina Perri, and a segment of The Traitors featuring Mr Fletcher as Alan Carr and Paul Morse as Claudia Winkle Bottom. Ultimately, it was the use of the insufferable “six-seven” meme which caused them to erupt in hysterics, but not so much the adults. But we weren’t forgotten about, thanks to Smudge, played by Adam Pettigrew, who winked at the crowd and joked about his big feet crushing a stick in the woods.

The Swan Lake segment, easily my favourite, featured Mr Fletcher and Mr Morse prancing across the stage in tights, tiaras and tutus, gleefully releasing “balloonios” — one of which floated up and lodged itself in the rafters.

With an incredible stage design, strong acting, elegant singing and well-thought-out costumes, it is without a doubt a must-watch this Christmas season.

I will be returning to see Aladdin next year with high expectations, but until then, remember kids: “If your spirits are low and your head’s in a muddle, all you need is a Nanny cuddle.”

Alex Carter