Northern Ballet have an excellent track record of adapting stories and this one was no different. The operative word being adapted. You will not see a raging Gaston or uppity Cogsworth in this production. This is ballet. This is class. I understood this before buying tickets so it wasn't a shock, otherwise I might have been a teensy bit disappointed...

The story felt familiar but with a contemporary twist. The arrogant Prince had a beastly spell cast upon him. Belle's father was literally stripped of house and home thanks to her sisters shopping habits. Near the family's new Forest shack, their Father suffered an attack from the Beast, so Belle sacrificed herself to save him. And voila, the Beauty met the Beast and slow romance ensued. 

This is what is fantastic about Northern Ballet. They nail the acting within a scene. You know exactly what is going on. Who needs words when expression and choreography can do it with much more beauty and drama. Pictures tell a thousand words remember. 

And it did warm my heart to see little nods to the original story. For example, Belle was always reading a book, the Beast had no table manners and they kept the endearing moment the Beast sipped tea from a saucer. 


As a huge Disney fan, I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this refreshing take on Beauty and the Beast. Northern Ballet always deliver such beautiful productions that are full of life and character and open up the world of Ballet to a new maybe unfamiliar audience. It successfully swept me away to a far away place where my inner child lives. Where happy endings come true and true love isn't so unbelievable after all.

It's definitely got me splashing for joy in anticipation of their next Disney production, The Little Mermaid!

Keep track of Northern Ballets work here https://northernballet.com/

Check out my vlog to see what unexpected thing happened in the interval! https://goo.gl/8SxrX0

5. Half a Six Pence


Coming in fifth, it's the new kid on the West End block, a musical adaptation of the H G Wells book, 'Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul'; a rags to riches tale.

I think it looks charming, funny and uplifting which makes for a perfect musical recipe. And did I mention its key ingredient is iconic producer Cameron Mackintosh, so it's just got to be great!

Purchase West End tickets from TheatreTicketsUK

4. Kinky Boots the Musical

As a girl who just wants to have fun, I just had to include Kinky Boots, which has music and lyrics penned by 80s pop star Cyndi Lauper.

I think any story that features raunchy thigh high boots and drag queens with big ideas is a must watch. So I am putting my foot down, let's get this Musical touring!

Purchase West End tickets from TheatreTicketsUK

3. Matilda the Musical





With major hits such as 'And I am telling you' and 'Listen' included in this show's repertoire I can completely believe it brings the house down every night.

Purchase West End tickets from TheatreTicketsUk



*This is a sponsored post in partnership with TheatreTicketsUK. I only choose to work with companies that I believe fit the Culturebean ethos and that my readers will benefit from. 

Image Credits: Theatre Tickets UK

A gigantic glittering disco ball hung directly over the action and highlighted the sequins in the colour bomb costumes that filled the stage. The impressive set had choreography of it's own that stylishly transformed for each scene. I have to admit, that was one clever piece of engineering. And the music exploded from the sidelines to deliver a surprisingly catchy soundtrack.

We were transported into a retro ballroom world, with a show that knew how to make fun of itself thanks to excellent comedy moments and characters. Such as 'thinks he's god gift to women and is the best dancer to ever live' competitor Ken who had me in stitches with his fake tan, white hair and outrageous swagger.

Just like in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing the leading man Scott, a Champion Ballroom Dancer, falls in love with his beginner partner Fran, who is all too ready to embrace a new style and man for that matter... Here begins a love story that reminded me of Dirty Dancing, with the 'teaching her to dance' montage and all.

Scott battled with his emotions throughout and struggled to decide if he should dance on his own terms or follow the rules to please others. A dramatic dance scene in the first half encompassed this feeling and truly knocked the air out of me as it was so powerful. It had an air of the Billy Elliot Angry Dance.

The first half finale was undoubtedly my favourite part of the whole show. Scott was introduced to Fran's family, who softly mocked his Pasodoble and ended up teaching him the passion that he lacked to pull it off. It was a strong, stylised and exciting number with Fran's family injecting some spice to match the sugar in this production.

Actually, the first half was a lot stronger than the second, but the energy and fun was never lacking throughout. The whole cast poured everything into their performances and the stage seemed electric.


Strictly Ballroom the Musical genuinely made me happy. I felt as if I was glowing by the end and that all my troubles had dissolved into nothingness. I don't think I will forget this musical in a hurry, and I would most certainly watch it over and over and over again in a heartbeat. I'm sure it'd get a much sought after ten from Len.

Next year I am actually launching a Culturebean Youtube Channel, which will reveal the girl behind the blog and follow my cultural adventures. Strictly Ballroom is the first official trip I have vlogged, and the finished edit will be online in January!

Buy tickets before it finishes on 21st January https://www.wyp.org.uk/events/strictly-ballroom-musical/

FYI This blog will remain focused on reviews and my vlog will compliment it with what I get up to before, during and after!

Image Credits: West Yorkshire Playhouse