Sussex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67114" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/4-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



&#8216;Twas the opening night of The Capitol’s annual panto and the theatre was full to the brim with the young and not-so’s, pensively ready and waiting to let out many a guffaw. Fully primed for all the ‘he’s behind you’s’ and ‘oh no he didn’ts’ – it’s the theatrical equivalent of a Christmas cheese board. Despite pre-empting a post theatre goer loss of voice, you just keep going back for more, sauvignon in hand. To be honest, it was very good to be back this year, and the cast mirrored that energy with the sense of raw yeah baby, it’s show time! The sheer energy that bursts onto the stage (Pickle, I’m talking about you) is the natural endorphin relief we all need at this stage of the year. So how did&nbsp;the all-time favourite and don’t you dare disappoint <a href="https://www.thecapitolhorsham.com/whats-on/all-shows/beauty-and-the-beast/20328">Beauty &amp; The Beast</a> (directed by Julie Atherton) fair at The Capitol?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67113" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/1-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Not your typical beastly tale, of rags to riches or ending up with Prince Charming, Disney style. Oh no it isn’t (ok, I’ll stop). As per, we have our handsome Prince Rupert (played by the very likeable Chris Jenkins), traditionally slapped with a beastly curse and a literary loving Belle (with a beautiful voice to match and surely one to watch &#8211; Lizzie Emery) destined to be together via the purity and power of love. It’s what comes in between that journey, that was refreshingly, and joyfully different.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67115" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/3-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The beast (Chris Jenkins) &#8211; loyally protected by his loyal servant duo, Madame Dubonnet and Fromage is a fabulous force, darling. All singing and spangling his way through an outstanding performance – glitterati lovers eat your hearts out. Desperate for his moment to shine whilst pursuing the princess, my daughter was thrilled when John Partridge starring as Captain Gastoff finally belted out I am what I am after the fifth attempt to steal the limelight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67116" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/2-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It’s worth remembering in the middle, that this is not a Disney panto version (well who can afford it these days?) and what follows is less about the classic story line and more about going happily along for the ride. The set design (by Jack Lane) and choreography from Stuart Rogers, were a total wow this year. This production comes fully-loaded with glitz, cheesy gags, slapstick fun and toe-tapping tunes. In fact, the two youngest with me took to standing on their seats for grooving at certain moments which Muddy won’t spoil for you. I will say however, the song performance of If I could Tell Her, which was so well performed and that’s a real deal breaker.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67117" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/6-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Sophie (8) loved every minute and said, “it was just too hard to choose a moment!” Zoe (also 8), said “they chose all the coolest songs, and it was sooo funny when Captain Gastoff picked up Peter in the audience Mummy!”&nbsp;



For me it was all in the extraordinary moves by all the cast. Seamless. It’s the kind of tightly choreographed slapstick that really tickles and confirmation, if it were needed, that Belle and Chris are a double (vocal) act made in panto heaven. It ends on a feel-good note that is just nice &#8211; because nice gets a bad rap and is just what we need right?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67118" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/9-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



You’ll also get a few fabulous, “big hair” moments in there – must find out which hairdresser they use for Muddy’s Little Black Book. At risk of sounding like a stalker, let’s talk about the rest of the cast.



Pickle (played by panto star Mike Slader), stole the audience’s heart from the moment he burst onto set and Alison Arnopp (Madame Dubonnet) and James Camp (Fromage) were another match made.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67120" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/11-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Don’t get me started on Susie Saucisson (performed only by the Olivier award winning Justin Brett), there was a genuine “craughing” (cry-laughing, as coined by one of my Mudlet’s) moment with Gastoff and Pickle that…well, you had to be there. So what are you waiting for?



All in all, this is a roarsome multi-generational night out. Some of the gags felt familiar but also some politically relevant hilarity in there and my young girly crew naughtily giggled all the way through at the crude poo jokes (and props). Muddy can genuinely attest this is a Christmas cracker with the kind of bang we all needed. Tickets are on sale until 31 Dec 2023. Well worth booking (run, don’t walk), tickets selling fast and limited remaining on popular nights.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1.jpg" alt="Beauty &amp; The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham" class="wp-image-67119" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/10-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h3>



Good for:&nbsp;Families of all ages – my 8–12-year-olds in tow, lapped it up (along with the multiple jokes about no.2’s, obviously) but little ones still in the CBeebies era may find it hard to sit through. A winner for adult lovers of silly comedy and classic one liners. The balance between panto banter and some more emotive moments was created. If you are a die-hard EastEnders fan like me and miss seeing Christian Clarke, on screen for the Doof Doof moment’s, you won’t be disappointed!



Not for:&nbsp;Anyone averse to all that spangles (But you likely won’t be reading Muddy if that’s the case). Some of the Beast’s scenes could be a little loud for sensitive children and if you aren’t a fan of crass humour it’s not for you.



<a href="https://www.thecapitolhorsham.com/whats-on/all-shows/beauty-and-the-beast/20328">Beauty &amp; The Beast</a>, The Capitol, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RG. Tel 01403 750220.

Review: Beauty & The Beast at The Capitol, Horsham

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