Beauty and the Beast

Told By An Idiot, the anarchic company behind two former Lyric shows – The Firework-Maker's Daughter and Aladdin – displays some inspired casting in its production of Beauty and the Beast, featuring a multicultural troupe headed by the short actress Lisa Hammond.

Zipping around the stage teaching the Beast to “go electric” in her power-chair, Hammond (Belle) sets the tone for a feisty, comic version of the classic tale and provides a refreshing challenge to traditional ideals of female beauty.

Her evil siblings, easily the highlight of the show, include the delightfully camp Boris (Dharmesh Patel), more concerned about his white moccasins than the loss of the family home, and the hideous Brioche, played with panache by Nick Haverson.

The production has more than a few touches of playful surrealism, notably in scenes at the Beast’s castle, where arms come out of walls to brush Belle’s hair and wine glasses are magically filled on command.

But designer Michael Vale fails to create something lavish for Christmas, instead delivering a set based on what looks like two giant concrete breeze blocks.
Meanwhile, the show's musical content – two songs, one of which is repeated – is disappointing and poorly delivered.

Children are ignored by the cast when they shout, “He's behind you” at plausible moments, and let down by a production that is too self-conscious to deliver any full-hearted festive fun.

•Until 5 January. Lyric Hammersmith. From £10. Tel: 08700 500 511, www.lyric.co.uk