REVIEW: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A HORNY LOVE STORY @ CHARING CROSS THEATRE

🎭 Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story

📍 Charing Cross Theatre, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NL

🗓 Thursday 4th December 2025

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THIS BEAST IS SERVING!

Earlier this week I was invited to the Press Night of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A HORNY LOVE STORY and OMG it was so much fun. My recommendation is that you instantly put on your most fabulous frock and run, don't sashay, down to the Charing Cross Theatre!

The geniuses at He's Behind You have spun pure gold, sequins, and side-splitting innuendos into a five-star spectacular that redefines what gay pantomime can be. It is, without question, the most joyous, riotous, and utterly brilliant night out you'll have all year.

From the moment the curtain rises, you know you're in for a treat. The writing by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper is an absolute masterclass in cheeky double-entendre and clever satire. It's sharp, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt. They perfectly tread that dazzling tightrope between naughty, camp silliness and genuine theatrical craft. Every gag lands perfectly, leaving the audience roaring with laughter.

The entire cast is simply divine. A true ensemble of talent, but the standout performances deserve their own standing ovation.

Matthew Baldwin as the Dame is a real force of nature, commanding the stage with impeccable comic timing and a wardrobe that has a life of its own! Baldwin delivers a performance that is both gloriously over-the-top and deeply lovable. He had me hanging on every perfectly timed word, and the way he gives the audience a side-eye and his magnitude of facial expressions was dazzling.

Equally captivating is the dreamboat Matt Kennedy. His performance is charming and charismatic, and he undoubtedly posseses that essential panto sparkle. He plays his part with a wink and a smile that makes him utterly irresistible. With a few cheeky flashes he has the audience eating out of his hands.

The entire production is a triumph of spirit, style, and sheer fabulousness. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A HORNY LOVE STORY isn't just a panto, it's a sparkling celebration of queer joy and brilliant British theatre. It's loud, proud, and absolutely hilarious.

I have seen quite a few pantomimes from He's Behind You over the years and I have to say that they are always excellent, but this one is something special indeed. The entire creative team and company have worked tirelessly to deliver a perfectly polished production. There is something really clever and exciting about this production, but of course it has all the smut you could want from an adult panto!

Get your tickets now, darlings. This beast is beautiful, and you'll want to be within grabbing distance!

It's a flawless five stars from me!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Matthew Baldwin as Flora; Matt Kennedy as Bertie; Laura Anna-Mead as Bonnie / Megan; Dani Mirels as Juno; Chris Lane as Cornelius; Ben Mabberley as Harris / Angus; Keanu Adolphus-Johnson as Charlie; Owen Arkrow as Ensemble; Olivia-Grace Weaver as Ensemble

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Strong language

AGE GUIDELINE:

Strictly 18 +

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