A review of Beauty and the Beast at the Thameside Theatre:

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THE sheer joy of pantomime and just what make's Thurrock's Thameside Theatre so special was perfectly illustrated to me as I enjoyed an early performance of this year's Polka Dot Pantomines' show 'Beauty and the Beast'.

The Thameside is just like a family, and - like all families - everyone manages to come together again, at least for one brief moment in time.

Brief's probably a bit unfair on the hardworking cast, crew and support staff at the Thameside – they still have many shows to get through until the new year but I suspect- if it's classed as work – it's work of the best possible kind.

As the lights dimmed and the house curtain was drawn there was a palpable air of excitement and anticipation this morning. Who would believe that at 11.30am on a Sunday, so much could be expected of so few?

Alongside me a little girl called Summer was literally breathless with anticipation and when Fairy Fabulous appeared she simply screamed with delight. And her excitement was shared by young and old alike and from that moment on we were all joined together in a wonderful family atmosphere of laughter, fun and sheer enjoyment.

No one is going to ever going suggest the Thameside Show is the most dynamic, the most spectacular nor the most star-laden in the land. But I'd be prepared to wager good money that no show elsewhere is enjoyed as much!

For almost two decades now I have visited the Thameside at Christmas and I have never been disappointed – which is all the more remarkable because each year I go with more expectations and an ever growing list of great shows that have gone before.

It's pointless to try and pick which has been the best – live for the moment and enjoy what's before you.

Beauty and the Beast is simply a really lovely, raucous, joke-laden, lovable rollercoaster of song, dance and festive delight.

Everyone knows the punchlines, what's coming next and what the outcome is going to be. Who cares? It's the voyage not the destination that matters.

The clash between evil and good is played out once more.

So we began with Fairy Fabulous, played with real enthusiasm and a literal and physical twinkle in her eye by Majoié Vuya. The recent graduate of the D&B School of Performing Arts is a bundle of energy and knits the show together while tackling her nemesis, the evil witch Grimalkin who has set her eyes on the Prince.

Grimalkin is played with gleeful relish and the most evil of laughs by Tom Morris (we almost get two dames for the price of one in this production). Tom is one of the UK's most in-demand drag queens and he certainly camps every moment of his time on stage in proper pantomime villain fashion.

The Prince is another relative newcomer, Harry Planck. Harry's a graduate from the renowned Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts who has already landed previous theatre roles as Joe in 9 to 5 and Eddie O'Grady in Made in Dagenham.

Father of the ultimate bride, Belle's dizzy dad Maurice, is theatre veteran David Burton. In a career spanning more than 50 years David is firmly established as a fine character actor and he is much in demand. I have it on good authority that, despite plenty of top offers, he looked nowhere else but Thurrock to ply his festive trade again this year. Such is the growing reputation of the Thameside!

The Beauty in the title is Ellie Autumn-Watts; another musical theatre school graduate, this time from the Urdang Academy and she certainly grasps this role as an early opportunity to write a creditable chapter in her burgeoning CV.

I must also make mention of the principal members of the ensemble cast.

Over the years the Thameside company has offered a learning opportunity for a number of people who have gone on to become real stars.

Well watch out in future for Dylan Snowden, back for a second successive season at the Thameside where he appears again alongside last year's Cinderella cast member Emily Jeeves, a recent graduate from Masters Performing Arts. Jack Fearon is also a graduate from Masters and Beauty and the Beast is another opportunity for his talents to shine, while Louise Sanchez is another pending graduate in the performing arts and surely will move on to principal role.

All four young professionals contribute to the show's dynamism, not least in the classic 'If I Were Not In Pantomime' routine. It's a real gem and had the audience in stitches.

The supporting cast.

That covers most the cast with, of course, absolute due deference to the region's young people who make up the ensemble. Three groups of extremely talented youngsters feature throughout the run of performances to 31 December and I have no doubt that in years to come some journo, just like me today, will be savouring their first professional roles. Long may the Thameside churn out top talent!

The exception in this review, to date, has been principal characters 'French Franc' and 'Dolly Doughnuts' – otherwise known as John Oakes and Luke Hunt-Coldham.

This duo could well rewrite the history of the Thameside given enough time. John is a cracking comic lead, who delights throughout with his energy and connection with the audience. I am already looking forward to his more 'adult' roles to come as the panto progresses into the new year and then to Basildon! But that's another saucy story for another day.    

As for Mr Hunt-Coldham. I have twice visited the Thameside in the past year to witness his skill, passion and stupendous professionalism as a director. He does not need me to blow the proverbial up his rather gargantuan panto skirts.

Thameside's Young Producers are integral to the success of the show.

So, I've established it's a really strong cast throughout, but there is one character who is undoubtedly the star of the show - and your kids will love him! I won't give it away, but let's just say he plays Belle's best friend (and it's not French Franc). Thurrock splits this role between Reggie and Tilly – and I am in absolute awe!!!

I go back to the start of this review, firstly to again touch on the astonishing work behind the scenes and front of house from the entire Thameside family which includes the wonderful Thameside Young Producers. My admiration knows no bounds! Nor must I forget to pay tribute to the contribution of the show's director, Lorinda King, and choreographer Vikki Bussell.

But the final word goes to Summer. My star of the show. If I could bottle her excitement, her emotions, her sheer joy and her total love of our local theatre I would make each and every one of those who contemplate closing down the Thameside without a viable replacement drink it.

Those who think such a thing as closure makes sense and is good for our local community really are the beasts. Thankfully the beauty lies behind these theatre doors.

Please go and judge for yourself. Ticket opportunities can be found via this link.