Theatr Clwyd pantomime lives up to its reputation

Theatr Clwyd, Mold

Runs until Saturday, January 15, 2022

After living in this corner of North Wales for more than 20 years, I've finally made it to a Theatr Clwyd pantomime.

The Mold theatre's reputation for the seasonal show is the stuff of legend. I've only ever heard good things.

But could it live up to the hype? "You'll love it" insisted my now 13-year-old son, who had seen it many times with school.

Joining us was one of his friends, also experiencing his panto debut at the venue.

As we took our seats for a mid-week performance of Beauty and the Beast, I was already impressed. The stage was magical before anything even happened.

What followed was a couple of hours of pure entertainment.

There are plenty of laughs to be had throughout, with a hefty portion being delivered by the iconic Phylip Harries as Nanna Nerys from Nercwys.

Harries is funny, plain and simple. Whether it's a joke for the grown ups (and there are plenty) or the gyration of his hips, his dame knows how to work an audience.

But the entire cast is good. In fact they're great, sickeningly talented.

Everyone acts, sings, dances, plays instruments - and they do it incredibly well.

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime at Theatr Clwyd 2021 - Phylip Harries and Daniel Lloyd. Photo: Kirsten McTernan

They bring the tale as old as time to life, giving it humour and heart as we follow the love story of Belle (played with pep by Izzy Neish) and Wesley Charles (who creates a Beast you root for).

I asked the boys who their favourite character was, and it was unanimous, Luke Thornton, who plays a sidekick role in Bob.

His physical antics had them in stitches, and his scenes with Ben Locke, as bad boy Barry Island, were excellent.

This duo became a trio with Daniel Lloyd as Belle's father, Willy, for a highly entertaining performance of Uptown Funk.

Joining the cast with boos and bubbles, are Alice McKenna (Morgiana the Witch) and Maya Manuel (Fairy Clogau), who bounce off each other throughout, rhyming every line.

Seren Sandham-Davies and Lynwen Haf Roberts as Belle's shallow sisters Stacey and Nessa, are great fun in their matching, over-the-top outfits.

Theatr Clwyd know how to put on a show but what they achieved with this one, was showcasing all the people that bring it to life.

From the set (special nod to the paintings) and costumes (another painting nod), to lighting and clever details, you really were aware that talent and passion had gone into every part of it.

The lighting for me was a triumph, and it was a joy to discover the lighting designer, Johanna Town, was herself in the audience, on her birthday no less.

Another highlight was the library in Beast's castle. A clever, beautiful display that demanded your attention, and a few oohs and aahs. Absolute magic.

There is lots of audience participation, so leave your inhibitions at the door, and prepare to clap and singalong. A lot!

The show is full of wonder and surprises, none of which I want to spoil here, but it's fair to say, it more than lives up to the hype.

I'm cursing myself I never went sooner but I'll definitely be back. Oh yes I will!

• Beauty and The Beast runs until Saturday, January 15, 2022. Booking at www.theatrclwyd.com or call the box office on 01352 344101.