Review: Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House

The traditional Disney story of a selfish prince-turned-Beast is portrayed beautifully at the Grand Opera House, with an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary.

May McFettridge marks her 30th year in pantomime with a first- the Queen of comedy AKA John Linehan has never before featured in this play.

The panto Dame did not disappoint as Mrs Potty, with all the usual quips and Belfast humour.

Perhaps the occasion got to the experienced comedian though, as there were a few surprising moments when she forgot her lines.

But in true professional style and with 30 years of experience in the business, May’s ability to improvise only added to the authentic panto experience.

She is joined this year by actor Ben Richards as the beast, he is known for his roles in Hollyoaks and The Bodyguard to name but a few, as well as Britain’s Got Talent star Mandy Muden as Magic Mandy.

Northern Ireland panto stalwart Paddy Jenkins returns to the stage as Paddy the Inventor and Belle is played by Georgia Lennon.

An expert, talented cast with the added advantage of the Dame May McFettridge bringing the panto to life with plenty of local references, as expected.

Act one of the show sees beautiful backdrops with a magical opening scene and impressive stage effects.

The spellbinding theme continues throughout and a hilarious ‘Haunted Bedroom’ scene with toilet humour has viewers in hysterics.

The first act culminates in an incredible, interactive scene: ‘The Night Sky.’

It sees Mrs Potty and Paddy in a red car, complete with personalised registration coming out over the audience, chitty-chitty-bang-bang style.

Act two follows through, opening with the Village of Ballyfettridge as the audience return to their seats.

In a bit of a twist, the traditional ballroom scene where Belle and the Beast take to the dancefloor to gaze longingly into each other’s eyes and fall under the spell of true love, is set to the music of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking out loud.

A delight to the younger members of the audience but it could come as a bit of a disappointment to anyone anticipating the original ‘Tale as old as time.’

There is a festive touch throughout the show with a side-splitting ‘12 days of Christmas’ interlude which sees toilet rolls thrown into the audience, much to the delight of both the big and little kids.

Then it is onto the final scene of the Royal Wedding of Belle and the Beast who is now Prince Sebastian.

An impressive crescendo with all the cast together dressed in stunning costumes.

The effect is Northern Ireland’s very own, comedy version of Harry and Meghan's special day back in 2019.

The beautiful stage set gives Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle a run for its money.

Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House is an enchanting, spellbinding story with a local and contemporary twist on the traditional Disney tale.

The celebration of Belfast’s panto Queen’s 30th year makes it a festive favourite with an extra special flourish.

Not to be missed.