Review: Beauty & The Beast panto by KD Theatre Productions at The Atkinson, Southport
Southport is an amazing place to celebrate Christmas!
There can’t be many towns with so many festive events and attractions to enjoy – not least the number of pantomimes!
We’re a town that loves nothing more than a good show during the festive season – oh yes we do – with two productions at The Atkinson, one at the Little Theatre, another at Oak Theatre, one at The Grand, and one at KGV Sixth Form College.
Our family enjoyed a really festive Sunday, starting with the amazing sight of hundreds of Santa running through town on their annual Southport Santa Sprint to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice.
A walk onto Lord Street allowed us to admire some of the fabulous festive events taking place inside the 127 year old Wayfarers Arcade, before heading to The Atkinson for a lunchtime performance of Beauty & The Beast.
Afterwards we headed to a packed Southport Market for a meal, with the market hall beautifully adorned with festive decorations including Santa’s sleigh, Santa’s grotto and a postbox to post letters to Santa.
It was plenty of Christmas spirit for one day out!
The pantomime itself was amazing.
There is no big ‘celebrity’ in the cast this year, but that doesn’t take anything away from a production that is excellently written, imaginative, funny, engaging and exciting for young as well as old(er) audience members.
The cast were fabulous, really thriving with a delighted audience on the opening weekend.
We kept looking around the auditorium to try and find the characters as they would often pop up at the back, or head past families as they sat and watched.
It was immersive, it was fun. We loved it.
Good pantos leave you coming away from the theatre with a buzz, all talking about what you’ve just seen, picking out your favourite moments.
This was one of the best professional pantos we’ve seen at The Atkinson or Southport Theatre in recent years.
There was much to be admired beyond the actors – the costumes were fantastic, as was the scenery, and the tech – it was a fabulous finale which exploded into life. Literally.
Beauty and the Beast brings together familiar characters and exciting new faces, creating engaging dynamics, captivating storylines, and plenty of laughter for the whole family.
Returning for a second year, Coral Mourant takes on the formidable queen, Morgiana, Queen of the Wolves. Theatre runs through her family for generations, all involved in the local amateur company in Connah’s Quay, North Wales. Coral brings extensive pantomime experience to the role.
Another familiar face at The Atkinson is Samantha Richards, returning for her fourth show and second pantomime at the venue. Audiences will remember her as Princess Aurora from last year’s Sleeping Beauty, and she is sure to bring her enchanting presence to the stage.
From his first pantomime at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow to his debut with KD Theatre in 2017, Gregor Duncan brings humour and energy to the role of Billy Bon Bon. Joining him is Terry Burns, returning for his tenth pantomime season at The Atkinson as the ever-entertaining Dame Bon Bon, promising laughter, cheeky antics, and sparkle.
Terry and Safia Bartley, who have already been announced, will bring their magic to the stage, with Terry returning as the beloved Dame and Safia stepping into her first leading pantomime role as Belle.
Making his first appearance at The Atkinson, Matthew Elward plays the Beast and Prince. Matthew has been involved in theatre from a young age and made his pantomime debut with KD Theatre last year.
A character we all love to hate is appearing with a twist as Sam Robinson plays Gastrong, an arrogant, cocky man and a total show off. With a history on cruise ships he brings a humorous flair to his attempts at impressing the beautiful Belle.
Also joining the talented cast are the professional ensemble, including Chris Gray and Felicity Nunn, along with a young ensemble from Southport Dance Academy.
The Atkinson and KD Theatre Productions are committed to making theatre accessible for everyone, with relaxed and captioned performances ensuring all can enjoy the festive fun.
Packed with laughs, songs, and sparkle, Beauty and the Beast promises a joyful festive experience for the whole family, allowing everyone to step into a tale as old as time this Christmas.
Tickets are on sale at theatkinson.co.uk or via the Box Office.
Beauty and the Beast runs at The Atkinson, Southport, from Friday, December 5 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
