Shimmying its way into Charing Cross Theatre, He’s Behind You‘s latest adult panto, Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story, brings a whole load of camp innuendo and filthy frolics to the panto season.
Young Bertie (surely a missed chance to title this show Bertie and the Beast?) is the only gay in the village of Lickmanochers. His sister Bonnie is the only lesbian.
Their mother Flora (who “spreads easily”) runs the garage and grocery store, dealing with a greedy landlord and a dull, dry existence.
The story of the Beast is revealed to be a curse placed by one brother on another; as Cornelius rips off the residents of the village, Charlie is trapped in the family castle in a body of fur and claws.
The only nearby town is Suckmacoch – this is hardly a show known for its subtlety – and the only question is whether love is really in the air (or in the penis-fly-trap).
With songs cheekily spoofing “In The Navy’, “Be Our Guest” and others, and a riotous sequence taking aim at one of the West End’s most beloved musicals, Beauty and the Beast is great fun.
Matthew Baldwin is clearly at home as the Dame, all pursed lips and raised eyebrows. Matt Kennedy’s wide-eyed twink and Laura Anna-Mead’s nervous baby dyke are perfectly written.
The plot moves from the shop to castle to oil rig, pinpointed by David Shields‘s inventive sets and Matt Hockley’s lighting.
Panto tropes remain with unseen ghosts, sweetie throwing, and a villain to boo. Chris Lane makes the most of his role as Cornelius, with outlandish disguises and knowing laughter.
Dani Mirels plays Juno, both enchantress and new femme in town. With her bright blue hair and easy manner, she is a gem in a sea of glitter.
This leaves Ben Mabberley as fiddler Harris and affable Angus (a ghost), who adds a fistful of comedy relief, and Keanu Adolphus-Johnson as a very gay Charlie/Beast, rippling with muscles and exploring origami.
There is cuteness courtesy of a friendly seal, and the script by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper is decidedly dirty and endearingly earthy. Ensemble members Owen Arkrow and Olivia-Grace Weaver make the most of their bits.
This is an adult gay panto, so come if you’re open minded! There’s even a song Gilbert & Sullivan may partly recognise, but not as you’ve heard it before.
Director Andrew Beckett and team have a well-oiled machine here that is technically and artistically excellent. With a pedigree that goes back to pantos at Above The Stag, He’s Behind You have this market truly sewn up.
A panto hurrah!
I am not rating pantos this year – instead we have ‘hurrah’, ‘umph-a’ and ‘bizarre’ to distinguish them.
Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Story continues at Charing Cross Theatre until 11 Jan with tickets here.
Image credit: Steve Gregson