Magic at the theatre returns with Beauty & The Beast at The Towngate

Jacqui James writes:

The Adventures of ‘Beauty & The Beast’ was warmly welcomed onto the stage in Basildon, it was like they had never been away.

Panto regular Simon Fielding as Villy with his ever lasting stunts and jokes kept up a constant stream of appearances, with main man Henry Shine, who shone through his dual performance as Prince Adam and the Beast with gusto.

Sophie Ladds playing the villain strutting the stage and taking great delight in needling the audience with hilarious insults and her dastardly plans.

There were a lot of talented youngsters with song and dance, not forgetting Dame Dolly played by Ian Hallard with plenty of slapstick, corny puns and local jokes which went down well.

Belle played by Madeleine Leslay led an energetic cast in this great extravaganza on form, charming with a good voice.

A must for everyone of any age a feast of fun! Yes, it’s so good theatre is back. Buy a ticket and treat yourself to an evening out. 

Pam Bickle writes:

I was delighted to see Beauty and the Beast at Basildon’s Towngate theatre last week. It’s been years since I’ve enjoyed the slapstick humour of a panto so my expectations were high and I was not disappointed.

It contained the very best elements of this type of live entertainment – beautiful scenery, colourful costumes, audience participation, an enthusiastic cast, bright, cheerful and accomplished singing and dancing, talented actors and of course, laugh out loud comedy.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this excellent production and I would heartily recommend it to anyone of any age – a real feelgood show.

Image: Towngate Theatre / © Carmel Jane Photography