Beauty and the Beast - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The festive season is well and truly upon us, and with it comes the time to be merry, jolly, and ready to usher in the new year. In the UK, nothing is more synonymous with Christmas cheer than a pantomime - and Guildford’s Beauty and the Beast certainly does not disappoint. Bursting with bright, colourful costumes, slapstick humour, and all the festive flair you could wish for, this year’s production guarantees magical fun for audiences of all ages. Back with another classic fairy-tale adventure, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre panto is bigger, brighter, and - dare I say - better than ever before.

We all know the timeless story of Beauty and the Beast, a tale that has captivated audiences for generations. It follows Belle, an intelligent and spirited young woman who feels like an outcast in her small provincial town. Her love of reading and her yearning for adventure set her apart from the townsfolk, who are far more interested in gossip and conformity. The story takes a dramatic turn when Belle finds herself imprisoned by the Beast - a once-proud prince cursed for his arrogance and lack of compassion.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

But the true joy of a pantomime lies not simply in retelling a familiar tale - it’s in the riotous laughter, the knowing winks, the musical puns, and the wonderfully chaotic twists added along the way. Pantos thrive on creativity, taking the bare bones of a classic story and dressing them up with fresh characters, cheeky asides, and plenty of audience participation. In that spirit, the Yvonne Arnaud once again proves itself a master of inventive family entertainment. Jack Counsel’s script brings a host of delightful new characters to life, entertaining newcomers and long-time panto-goers alike.

Having attended the Yvonne Arnaud panto for the past two years, this reviewer can safely say that previous productions occasionally suffered from pacing dips or repetitive moments. This year, however, the show felt remarkably even - no dragging scenes, no energy lulls, just consistent fun from start to finish. And despite the classic annual “cringe” of hearing the year’s overplayed hits (yes, the Jet2Holiday jingle makes its obligatory appearance, and yes, there’s some K-Pop sprinkled in), this may well be the smoothest, most polished production yet.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Lucy Benjamin, Peter Gordon, and Matt Pinches return as the triumphant panto trio, once again embracing their roles with infectious energy. Benjamin’s Agatha the Evil Sorceress is deliciously wicked, while Pinches - seemingly born for the stage - delivers a pitch-perfect performance as the delightfully silly Philippe Philope (try saying that ten times fast). At this performance, the role of the dame, Madame Fi-Fi La Fou-Fou - usually played by Peter Gordon - was taken on by understudy Tom Miller. He stepped into the glittering heels with ease, sprinkling in playful jabs about forgotten lyrics during the chaotic “12 Days of Christmas” routine and sharing the occasional contagious outburst of laughter.

In all, this year’s Beauty and the Beast is a sparkling reminder of why pantomime remains such a cherished festive tradition. It’s joyful, it’s silly, it’s heart-warming - and it knows exactly when to lean into the madness. So if you're looking for a show that will have you cheering, booing, singing along, and laughing till you cry, look no further. This panto truly is a tale as old as time… but told in a way that feels fresh as ever. Oh yes it is! And if you miss it - well, you’ve only got yourself to boo.

Production Value: 90%

Value For Money: 90%

Personal Enjoyment: 95%

Overall Score: 92% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Playing until: 4th January 2026

Run Time: Approximately 2h30 - including a 20-minute interval

Tickets for this show can be found at this link.