Berkshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-55-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



If you caught&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsonreading.com/beautyandthebeast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty and the Beast</a>&nbsp;at The Hexagon back in 2021, you’ll recognise a fair few of the jokes this time round – but thanks to a whizzy digital set and a few clever tweaks, this 2025 revival feels slicker, faster and sprinkled with the sort of Disney magic that leaves little kids slack-jawed, popcorn mid-air.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85422" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-10-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



The digital backdrop is the real glow-up here. Scene changes are fluid and cinematic, whisking us from village to castle to spooky forest without a pause for breath, and adding a layer of immersive spectacle that genuinely impresses. It’s panto, yes – but with a polish that feels bang up to date.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-121-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Justin Fletcher (aka Mr Tumble, but very much not&nbsp;just&nbsp;for toddlers) is now both writer and star, and his chemistry with Dame Paul Morse remains the beating heart of the show. Fletcher’s Arthur Pint – arriving on stage on a miniature bike while apparently defying several laws of physics – is gloriously daft, endearingly hopeful and deeply invested in his entirely unrequited love for Belle (let’s politely gloss over the age gap). His chameleon-like physical comedy is on full display, whether he’s rocking diamante shades and an electric guitar (Elton John energy, circa peak chaos) or channeling an uncanny Alan Carr-meets-The Traitors&nbsp;moment that parents will clock instantly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85416" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-152-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Dame Paul Morse, meanwhile, deserves a medal (or at least a lie-down) for managing what feels like eight, possibly nine, costume changes. Highlights include a Wotsits-inspired “WotNots” dress complete with cheese-puff wig, and a gloriously nostalgic Dolly Mixture number that had the adults cackling and the kids pointing furiously.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-236-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



The comedy is broad, bold and unashamedly silly – expect plenty of fart jokes, visual gags and knowing nods to telly favourites (The Traitors&nbsp;fans, you’re covered). The Balloon Ballet is an absolute standout: brilliantly choreographed, perfectly timed and one of the funniest pieces of physical comedy in the show. It brings the house down.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the Beast The Hexagon Reading 2025" class="wp-image-85399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-91-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Vocally, Samantha Dorrance’s Belle shines. This is a Belle with backbone – smart, feminist-leaning and refreshingly no-nonsense – and her voice is properly impressive, soaring when it needs to and grounding the story emotionally. Samuel Knight’s Beast plays the bad-tempered, cursed prince convincingly (though visually he’s giving slightly troll doll with horns), and Eloise Lord makes a strong impression as the Enchantress, bringing real musical theatre chops to the role. Special mention to Carl Tracey as Hunky Dory the village poser and Adam Pettigrew is his long suffering friend Smudge – a charming double act.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-scaled.jpg" alt="Beauty and the beast the hexagon theatre reading 2025" class="wp-image-85406" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/BeautyandtheBeast-246-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



The ensemble throw themselves into the action with gusto, keeping the pace buoyant across a generous running time that never drags. Songs range from familiar crowd-pleasers to pop culture wink-winks, and the audience participation is joyful without tipping into chaos (a panto miracle).



In short? This is festive fun done well: big laughs, strong performances, high-energy spectacle and enough in-jokes to keep the grown-ups entertained while the kids remain utterly mesmerised. Familiar, yes – but refreshed, confident and still one of Reading’s safest Christmas bets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



GOOD FOR:&nbsp;Families of all ages – but CBeebies-loving littlies will be living their best lives. Lovers of silly comedy and cheesy one liners are also in for a treat.



NOT FOR:&nbsp;Anyone easily scared/ sensitive to sound. Some of the Beast&#8217;s scenes are loud and dark.



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.whatsonreading.com/beautyandthebeast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty &amp; The Beast</a> is on at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading until Sun 4 Jan. </li>
</ul>

Review: Beauty & The Beast at The Hexagon, Reading

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