Beauty and the Beast (A Horny Love Story) - Charing Cross Theatre
Charing Cross Theatre returns this year with another adult pantomime, Beauty and the Beast (A Horny Love Story) - a camp, spirited twist on the classic fairy tale. The story follows the son of a petrol-station owner in the quaint town of Lickmanochers and his unexpected encounter with a once-proud prince, now transformed into a beast.
As with any panto, exaggeration is part of the charm. Here, however, the production occasionally tips into excess, at times losing the very comedy it aims to heighten. Even so, a committed cast and an often sharply written script manage to keep the show afloat. As this reviewer’s first adult pantomime, it’s difficult to judge where the ideal balance of crudeness lies - but while some moments felt a little much, the overall experience remained enjoyable, even if not quite to my personal taste.
The humour is at its strongest in its clever, well-crafted jokes, including some delightfully niche theatrical references - such as a nod to Sigourney Weaver in last year’s Jamie Lloyd production of The Tempest. The show knows exactly what it wants to be: cheerful, cheeky entertainment that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Although the production comes with a content warning, it rarely feels abrasive; the suggestiveness is playful, and kept within boundaries that maintain a sense of fun rather than discomfort.
Visually, the costumes (Robert Draper) embrace pantomime tradition with bright, festive colour and practical design. They serve the performers well while contributing to the show’s overall energy. Musically, the original score by Jon Bradfield offers a refreshing break from the typical panto reliance on familiar pop hits. The numbers are fresh and fun, with one in particular playfully echoing Disney’s Beauty and the Beast - including the mischievously titled “Be Our Slave.” Overall, the songs are catchy, lively, and consistently entertaining.
The standout performance comes from Matthew Baldwin as Flora, the production’s classic Panto Dame. Their stage presence and razor-sharp improvisation regularly lift the material, providing some of the evening’s most memorable moments and ensuring laughs even when other jokes falter.
While Beauty and the Beast (A Horny Love Story) occasionally overindulges in its own extravagance, it still delivers a spirited, festive night out. With a strong cast, bright design, and plenty of seasonal silliness, it offers an enjoyable slice of holiday theatre for audiences looking for something a little different.
Production Value: 75%
Value For Money: 60%
Personal Enjoyment: 60%
Overall Score: 65% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)
Show Information
Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, London
Playing until: 11th January 2026
Run Time: Approximately 2h20 - including a 20-minute interval
Tickets for this show can be found at this link.
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