The Christmas pantomime in Harrogate is a highlight on many people’s calendar in the run-up to Christmas.

Indeed, many people plan very early for it – in fact, tickets are already on sale for next year’s 2026 Harrogate panto (Jack and the Beanstalk).

And this year’s Beauty and the Beast show was no exception as many seats have almost sold out for December, but there’s still a good amount of availability for January. Given its popularity what can you expect from the show? Senior lifestyle writer at The Stray Ferret Francesca Lee-Rogers went to check it out...

Starting with a medley of songs, the opening sequence for Beauty and the Beast is impressive, energetic and immediately brings the wow-factor to both kids and grown-ups alike.

Tim Stedman – who marks 24 years in panto this year – makes a dramatic entrance as the hilarious Philippe Fillop as he flies onto stage to raucous applause from the audience, happy to see the king of Harrogate panto return to the stage once again.

Directed by Marcus Romer and written by David Bown, alongside additional material from Marcus Romer, Tim Stedman, and Michael Lambourne, the tale tells the story of an arrogant young prince who falls under a spell that turns him into a beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. 

But does Belle manage to melt his frosty heart in the enchanted castle, and the spell break before the last rose petal falls?

My six-year-old was fascinated by the petals that fell from the rose under the giant glass throughout the show.

Set in France, the jokes are clever – the kids are totally unaware of some of the references while the parents can’t help but chuckle – the costumes are extravagant, the staging magical, and the mixture between the story, the songs and the skits are on point. The plate smashing scene in particular is worth a special mention.

The actors embodied the fun and silliness of the script yet with heartfelt moments between the Beast (Colin Kiyani) and Belle (Anna Campkin).

Phillipe Fillop, Madame Bellie Fillop (Harry Wyatt) and Baron Bon Bon (Michael Lambourne) brought classic panto humour to the stage, and it was a refreshing to see Michael not play the baddie for once.

That role was reserved for Joanne Sandi, who made her debut as villain Mona Lisa, the Sorceress, and who the audience couldn’t help but love to hate. 

The put-on Southern American drawl was a bit random at first but that aside she commandeered the stage. Her Wicked -style outfit was also timely; hats off to costume designer Morgan Brind.

Another timely theme that had been weaved into the show was budget, and although the Harrogate panto doesn’t have a big budget, you wouldn’t notice this in terms of the production or performances.

They even make a joke out of it throughout the show, and there are also specific local references, some of which had clearly been sponsored and shoehorned into the show, but with comedic value.

Overall, it was my favourite Harrogate Theatre panto to date, so much so I’m considering going to see it again, which is a first for me.

It has everything a panto needs; an engaging and entertaining fairytale story, plenty of comedy and so much magic. 

So much so my son said: 'it was actual real magic, mummy'.

Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are for sale from £15, until January 19, 01423 502116, Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

Do you enjoy getting out and about in the local area? Don't forget that as a Stray Ferret subscriber, you have access to exclusive local discounts and offers. Also check out more things to do.

For local news fans, The Stray Ferret offers an annual gift subscription.