ON WEDNESDAY December 7, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ arrived at the Blackwood Miners Institute, and excited children of all ages filled the theatre to see the brand-new pantomime! They weren’t disappointed, as Owen Money and his team, ‘Rainbow Valley Productions’ did their usual fantastic job of bringing the classic Disney story to life.

All of the usual pantomime behaviour was to be expected. Teachers were picked on by the cast, which, of course, the children loved, and they were equally delighted when water was fired at them from the stage! The panto dame Lucy Lastic, (Meilyr Sion), gave no end of entertainment to the appreciative audience. A good variety of jokes were told, some aimed at the adults rather than children!

Members of the band were expected to join in with the pantomime, Ian Kimber (Musical Director and keyboard) participated in the performance as well as providing endless music throughout the entire show. He and Ben Richards (Drums), held the pantomime together with all varieties of music.

Anthony Moulton played a fantastic and convincing role as The Beast, who the audience loved and felt very sorry for. Jarrad Richards was perfect to play the part of Gascoigne, and was one of the most memorable characters, he also had an excellent singing voice. John Booth (Pierre the Tailor) played the part of Isabelle’s father ably.

Sammi Broad first appeared to have only a small role of Fragrance the Fairy, but in the second half performed the song that everyone had been waiting for, ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ as Isabelle (Rebecca Thomas) and the Beast fell in love on stage. Isabelle and Anthony performed excellently together and their voices complimented each other.

Owen Money played a typical pantomime character, this time his name was Willy Gettit. It wouldn’t be the same show without him, as he was an obvious favourite of the audience. The show is perfect for the whole family.

Elizabeth Morgan