Watch: Preview of year’s panto Beauty & the Beastie launches at The Pavilion Theatre

As 25 December fast approaches it’s time to indulge in festive spirit by embracing activities intrinsic to a Glasgow Christmas. The yearly pantomime at The Pavilion Theatre is a staple in the family diary, the story always cleverly moulded around local humour, centred around laughter.

This year the venue is putting on an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast - Beauty & the Beastie starring panto veterans including Liam Dolan, Scott Fletcher and Jack Jester. The arrogant Prince Lorenzo must find true love in order end an ugly curse that has affected his appearance. The pantomime launches tomorrow (28 November) and is running until 12 January 2025.

We caught up with Jennifer Neil who is playing Beauty to find out a little more about this year’s story:

“It is a love story. It’s very magical this year, a bit different from last year. Last year we had a lot of adventure and a lot of fun and excitement. This year has that but a little more sprinkled on top.

“We follow Beauty and her mum, Professor Porridge, and their neighbours, Dolly Drumchapel and Hector who work for Prince Lorenzo. Along the way we meet other characters like Benedict Bridie and his two henchmen, and he’s set upon being married to Belle, or Beauty as she’s called in this panto.

“It’s a whole load of magical moments, funny moments, some chaotic moments as well. We’ve got a few audience favourites as well. What’s good about it is that it’s written for Glasgow audiences, it makes them part of it as well. There’s places, people, things that they all know and love. It involves them as well in the whole process of it. I think we always have, the Pavilion audiences especially, them in mind for those little tweaks and changes to the story that make it Glasgow.

“This building is about 101 years old it is steeped in a lot of history. For me personally, I love this place, it’s like a family, like a wee home. You become friends and family with the backstage staff, the front of house staff, the cast are so tight. It’s steeped in so much history with the people who have all worked here. You can see all over the walls, everywhere has something that reminds you of who performed here, who became what they became whilst being here.

“I am really excited for people to see this show because it has a little bit of everything in it this year, there’s the fun, the excitement, the adventure, there’s the love story, so many magical moments. We’re all so proud of it and excited to get it in front of an audience. There’s a great cast, really great songs, great numbers, ensembles, the kids are amazing this year too. It has a something for everyone.”

Tickets can be found here.