Beauty and the Beast
London Palladium
4.8/5 based on 101 reviews (read reviews)- Booking until: Saturday, 17 September 2022
- Running time: Approximately 2.5 hours including an interval
Beauty and the Beast description
Beauty and the Beast – In the West End at long last!
You have waited. And waited. You have been patient. Now your patience has been rewarded. Welcome to a magical tour of a magical musical by the entertainment company whose middle name is magic – Disney! We're thrilled to announce that Beauty and the Beast is back in the West End, raring to go in 2021. How can you resist?
This new tour is rumoured to reunite the creative team from the original Broadway run of Beauty and the Beast, and that's something that makes it extra special. The musical comes with a fab book by Linda Woolverton and music from the genius Alan Menken who delighted us with his beautiful tunes in Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act, to name but two. Plus there's awesome lyrics from Tim Rice and Howard Ashman.
Casting is yet to be announced, but expect a treat and you won't be disappointed. This musical is always exceptional. It's inspired by and based on the classic award-winning Disney animated film of the same name. The original stage version smashed Broadway back in 1994 and ran all the way through 2007 like a steam train, the tenth longest-running show in Broadway history. No wonder it won a coveted Tony Award and still holds a top spot in the top 10 longest-running Broadway productions.
Last time it was on in theatreland, Beauty and the Beast caused a stir at the Dominion Theatre. Can you believe it, way back in 1997? It's long overdue. Back then the show gained huge critical acclaim as well as acclaim from audiences, and won the 1998 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The UK tour ran from 2001 – 2003. This time around we're fully expecting another major hit.
What's the story?
The show follows a selfish Prince who has been cursed to become a monster forever unless he can learn to fall in love. His chance arrives when he meets Belle, the only human female to visit his castle since it became enchanted. The young bookworm Belle is taken prisoner by the Beast while rescuing her father. But thanks to help from the Beast's servants, Belle comes to appreciate and love him... while at the same time escaping from a hunter who wants to marry her.
This brand new UK production will see the original Broadway team reunite, led by the amazing director Robert Jesse Roth and the choreographer Matt West. The UK tour will kick off in May 2021, starting life at the Curve Leicester for just over a month before taking off around the nation.
About the show
The music comes from Alan Menken and the lyrics are by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The book is by Linda Woolverton, and the stage production is based on the award-winning animated film of the same name. In the team's words, "Disney's Beauty and the Beast will begin a UK and Ireland tour at Leicester Curve in May 2021. The production will bring together the original creative team from the Broadway production. Further information and all tour dates will be announced in the autumn."
How can you resist? This is going to be such a special show, with dazzling staging and costumery, awesome choreography, remarkable music, brilliant acting, astonishing effects and endless, vibrant colour. Exciting, thrilling, huge fun and not to be missed. Let's celebrate the magic of Disney in 2021.
Playing at London Palladium
Age restrictions
AGE RECOMMENDATION Beauty and the Beast is recommended for a general audience. We recommend the production for ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult 18+ and may not sit on their own within the auditorium. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.
Performance Times
Beauty and the Beast news
21Jan 
