Beauty and the Beast: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Review 

“We are family, I’ve got all my sisters with me…” a perfectly apt song start to the night ahead as a few friends gathered for an intimate Christmas celebration to review a pantomime for Sparkle Magazine. 

But I have misled you already in making you think this was ‘work’ to us and a normal ‘pantomime.’  

We mixed business with pleasure as we danced along to a very different panto at City Varieties in Leeds… 

Beauty and the Beast: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto was on the bill this year and as ever rocked this luxurious lounge-like venue off the busyness of Briggate in Leeds City Centre. 

It’s the panto where there are more adults than children as we Rocked N Rolled into the festive season. 

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is back where live music plays centre stage. 

“It’s like we’ve been through an 18-month episode of SAS who dares wins…” jokes the lead Dame Bessie Big Breaths as we missed out on all of the panto season last year in the Pandemic. 

Picture this, Beauty plays the trombone and the Beast sings “Let me entertain you…” with the whole ensemble really shining when they pick up their instruments and treat us to a tune. 

You’ll be wowed by this production which mixes traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by the ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians.

Whilst the traditional luxury of the theatre setting and the staff, volunteers, and media team add to the warming welcome into this experience, the Rock n Roll panto is a perfect am-dram alternative to the ‘norm.’ 

From front to back of house, Leeds City Varieties ensure we are all welcome to “be our guest” in this sweet compact, and stunning experience. 

It’s so warming in here with the abundance of love put into this production, that you’ll even fancy ice cream in the interval… any excuse for a Yorkshire-made Northern Bloc tub sold from the Vintage Usherette Trays. 

Whether you’re having a social with friends or family, regardless of age, you’ll feel this warm embrace we all missed last year. 

Beauty and the Beast: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is on now until Sunday 9 January 2022.