BEAUTY AND THE BEAST | GRAND THEATRE, BLACKPOOL
★★★★★
“Witness the genesis of an exciting new panto pairing…”
Blackpool Grand Theatre has a diamond of a pantomime this year with the arrival of Funny Girls’ legend, Betty Legs Diamond, real name Simon Green, who makes his panto debut as Polly La Plonk in an exciting new double-act with the seaside resort’s favourite funny man, Steve Royle.
In a production of Beauty and the Beast that overcomes one the most difficult of tasks in pantoland (balancing the heavy narrative of the tale with the comedy, songs and panto set pieces), the fleet of foot 61-year-old female impersonator, dancer and choreographer, high kicks his was through the action, even throwing in the odd cartwheel as well as doing the splits along the way for good measure.
Royle too, as Polly’s hapless lad Louis La Plonk, is on top form. Appearing in the audience at the top of the show he is second to none at playing to the crowd. Even when he’s ribbing them, they love him for it.
Set in the rural French village of Camembert, Jon Monie’s pacy script follows the tale as old of time almost to the letter, trimming just one element to allow it to flow better as a pantomime. When an arrogant Prince disrespects a powerful enchantress, she transforms him into a Beast as punishment. Resigned to a lonely life in his palace with only his housekeeper Polly, and her son, Louis, for company, when fate brings Belle to his door will the cursed Prince change his ways?
As they get to know each other there’s just one problem, back in the village the rich, vainglorious Hugo Pompidou is set on marrying Belle and tells the villagers of their impending nuptials. As Hugo and The Beast battle for Belle’s affections, will true love conquer all.
From the spellbinding transformations of the Prince and Enchantress, to the olde worlde charm of Camembert’s village square and the shadowy luminescence of the Beast’s castle, this UK Productions pantomime is gorgeous to look at. Jon Harris and Jason Bishop’s traditional set design is a delight and exquisitely lit by Neil Dolman.
Right from the off, a lively rendition of K-pop favourite Golden proves a highly energised statement of intent. Principal girl Kitty Harris leads the way with a warm, endearing turn as Belle. Sharing an easy chemistry, Harris and Luke Harley, a snarling but always vulnerable Beast, both have strong singing voices and work well together. Strong support comes from Ella Williams as the precocious rhyming fairy, Bon Bon, while Corrie favourite Marc Baylis brings bluster and threat to the baddie of the piece, Hugo Pompidou. Fight Director Andy Rothwell also deserves to take a bow for Pompidou and the Beast’s impressive stage fight – one of the best you’ll see.
A tightly drilled six-strong ensemble along with children from the Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre deliver Katie Hill’s lively choreography with a detectable joie de vivre that is infectious.
That said, all eyes are on Betty Legs Diamond whenever she is on stage, and never more than in a beautifully improvised balloon routine… that goes wrong. Ad-libbing their way around the issue (a prematurely burst balloon), Betty Legs and Royle let the audience in on the mishap, taking the routine to a whole new level of hilarity. They should keep it in. Other highlights include the most gloriously vigorous Can-can you will see outside of The Moulin Rouge.
Catching what could prove to be the genesis of a new panto pairing is always exciting and on this showing, Steve Royle and Simon ‘Betty Legs Diamond’ Green could be up there with the best of them. You might even say that together, they shine like a diamond.
In partnership with Avanti West Coast | Book HERE – Connecting Must See Theatre in Edinburgh, Blackpool and Beyond
Run ends 4 January 2026 Tickets HERE
Beauty and the Beast at the Blackpool Grand was an absolutely amazing panto. I loved every minute of it — it was really, really good.
Betty Legs Diamond (Simon’s alter ego, Polly La Plonk) was outstanding. I had never seen Betty perform before, as when I went to Funny Girls in Blackpool she had already finished, but my word, she was amazing. She stole the show and is easily the best drag act I’ve ever seen.
The Beast was very good as well, and the Magical Fairy was fantastic. I also loved how they used the roaring castle — it added so much to the performance.
Overall, it was a brilliant production. 10/10 — highly recommended!