We sent out reviewer Daniel along to see Beauty and the Beast.

Written for the fourth year running by comedy writers Clare Plested, Adam Brown, and Amanda Wilsher; Beauty and the Beast at The Corn Exchange provides just over two hours of laughs and silliness.

Stuffed with recognisable chart hits plus traditional pantomime routines, the show is a credit as to what you can achieve with only ten characters and a small band.Packed full of local references, there’s frequent jibes at the state of the dying Kennet centre (I walked through it en-route; all unfortunately deserved) and an early dig at the people of Swindon.

The cast are clearly having a ball performing the show, something that definitely rubs off on the audience. Don’t think you’re safe at the rear of the stalls either as there’s several moments where the cast leave the stage and head up into the auditorium to engage with the audience.

RATING: ***** 5 Star

Playing at The Corn Exchange, Newbury until Sunday 31st December 2023.