Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about a festive show that blew me away, and its up here in the North East! Northern Stage have done it again with this years festive favourite, with their adaptation of Beauty and The Beast. So settle in and lets get into the review!
Northern Stage have a reputation for producing innovative and creative Christmas shows that balance imagination with intelligence, and Beauty and the Beast is another shining example of that. Their latest festive gift is beautiful in both design and spirit. It is a clever, creative and innovative adaptation of the classic fairytale. The cast are amazing and they know exactly how to speak to their audience without ever talking down to them or veering into panto land.
At its heart, is the original story: kindness, transformation and the power of seeing beyond appearances, however there is something new and exciting in this show. The adaptation feels fresh yet familiar, cleverly reworked to suit its audience while retaining the magic of the Beauty and the Beast we all know and love. Visually, the show is impressive, clever and full of technical tricks without being overwhelming.
One of the production’s greatest strengths is how confidently it leans into its regional roots. Northern references and local locations are scattered throughout the script and ad-libs, drawing in some laughs and creating an immediate sense of connection with the audience. It makes the show feel like it was made for the North East, by the North East, not simply performed in it.
Audience interaction is handled with care in this show. Rather than tipping fully into pantomime territory, the show almost flirts with it, creating a playful bridge between scripted theatre and festive tradition. The moments of engagement feel natural and inclusive, never pushy or intimidating. Crucially, it avoids the trap of endless call-and-response or over-the-top stunts, keeping the narrative intact while still inviting the audience to join the fun. This show is inclusive christmas theatre to its core (minus one thing which we will talk about towards the end).
The result is a Christmas show that works on so many levels. The families around us were swept up in the magic and humour, while older audience members were appreciating the care taken in the adaptation and the sheer talent in the performance. There’s laughter, wonder and genuine festive cheer, all delivered with clarity, charisma and confidence.
Bridget Marumo plays Beauty, and gives a perfectly balanced performance, seamlessly jumping from joyful to fear, sadness to excitement. Marumo also has some great interactive lines, deeply rooted in northern humour and delivers them with perfect timing.
Conor McCready plays Beast and truly takes hold of this role with both hands (or should I say paws?). McCready truly embodies the beast without taking the character into panto territory, and there are some moments that are a little unsettling and bordering on scary. Bravo!
I truly left the theatre smiling and I was remindedreminded why Northern Stage has become such a trusted home for Christmas theatre in the region. They consistently succeed in creating work that brings families together, celebrates community, and captures the magic of the season without ever losing theatrical integrity. 2025 has been one hell of a strong year for the theatre and I can see it blowing up even more in 2026!
A huge well done to everyone involved and thank you for such a great gift this festive season!
Accessibility
This production features some bright lights, sound effects, visual effects and audience interaction. As mentioned earlier in the review, there is one element that seemed in accesible to me and that was the volume. The voices were quite quiet in some parts and the music or sound effects were quite loud, and so I was finding myself almost tripping up on trying to pick words out without being blow away by a sudden bang.
Value for money
Tickes for this show ranged from £12.00 to £39.00, with concessions, student tickets, 16-21 tickets and childrens tickets all available at a discounted rate. I think for £20ish pounds (on average) you get one stellar show! The talent is amazing, the set is beautiful and it really is a great trip out for a bit of festive magic.
You can find out more about the show synopsis, tickets and dates here.
Have your say!
Have you seen Beauty and The Beast? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Kira Curtis