Beauty and the Beast at People’s Theatre: I’m Packing My Satchel for Panto

By Grace Hatchell

Alright, lovelies. I’ve delivered to houses with overgrown hedges, suspicious doorbells and dogs who consider the letterbox a personal insult. An enchanted castle occupied by a growling Beast might finally persuade me to leave a “sorry I missed you” card.

Fortunately, Belle appears to have rather more courage than I do.

Tom Whalley’s pantomime version of Beauty and the Beast comes to the Main Stage at People’s Theatre in Newcastle from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 December 2026, promising laughter, music and a generous helping of Christmas nonsense.

I’m already considering which pocket of my satchel will accommodate the interval sweets.

Belle finds herself a prisoner in the Beast’s enchanted castle, leaving her hapless father and best friend with a rescue mission on their hands. I wish them well. I’d want considerably more reassurance than “we’ll think of something” before tackling a castle.

And this particular household has more going on than an unusually grumpy host. The theatre’s description promises talking crockery and a pair of wisecracking salt and pepper shakers. I’ve always suspected my kitchen contained opinions. I’d prefer not to hear them while making my toast.

Of course, beneath the Beast’s growl lies the possibility of something gentler. Can Belle see the heart behind that frightening appearance?

I’m fond of a story that gives someone the chance to surprise us. Although, for the record, I still expect basic manners from anybody answering the door. Being enchanted is no excuse for barking at the postwoman.

What appeals to me about a Christmas panto is the prospect of an outing where everybody can join in. I like the thought of families settling into their seats, children discovering the fun of live theatre and grown-ups briefly forgetting how many things remain on the Christmas list.

For a couple of hours, I’d happily swap the supermarket queue for an enchanted castle. Especially one where the crockery might be persuaded to clear itself away afterwards.

There’s also a relaxed performance on Tuesday 15 December at 7pm, with a BSL interpreter onstage. The auditorium lights will remain dimmed rather than being switched off, flashes and loud bangs will be removed, and audience members can move around or leave and return as needed. I’m pleased to see those practical details clearly explained, so families can choose the performance that suits them.

I haven’t seen this production yet, but I’m certainly curious to discover how Belle, the Beast and that outspoken condiment collection get along.

Here’s what I’m popping in the diary:

Beauty and the Beast by Tom Whalley
People’s Theatre, Main Stage
Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5BX
Saturday 12–Sunday 20 December 2026
Tickets: £20; concessions and children £16.50
Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval
Matinee and evening times vary by date, so check your chosen performance when booking.

Check performance times and book tickets

I’m Grace Hatchell, and if the salt and pepper start heckling me, I shall be requesting a different table.