REVIEW: Beauty and the Beast

Hamble Players

Hamble Memorial Hall

IN her first pantomime with the Hamble Players, director Sheila Barker has created a show that felt refreshingly different. The story itself is somewhat different from other popular pantomime subjects and even for those familiar with the story there were new characters created specifically for the panto.

Staged with a degree of verve and with a clever yet simple set that created the illusion of a story book, this was a fine looking production. Costumes were nicely done and there was some good use of lighting. Although there were not an over abundance of musical numbers, they were well chosen and well executed. The dance numbers were impressive.

On opening night the show was still bedding down and finding its ideal pace. The cast enjoyed themselves immensely, however, as did the audience who loved to heckle. The performances were committed and amusing.

Good fun.

Karen Robson