Beauty and the Beast was a large-scale pantomime with a strong emphasis on comedy, audience interaction, and live improvisation. With up to fourteen performances a week, the show demanded consistency, stamina, and the ability to adapt quickly to what was happening in the room each night.

As Deputy Stage Manager, I adapted cues in real time to accommodate ad-libbing, extended audience interaction, and shifts in pace. A detailed understanding of the show’s structure and creative intent allowed me to make confident judgement calls on the book, maintaining rhythm and continuity while supporting performers to play freely with the audience. Clear paperwork and preparation were key to keeping the show tight without restricting its spontaneity.

Alongside running the show, I mentored and supported an inexperienced Assistant Stage Manager covering the book. Working through an intensive performance schedule, I took a structured, progressive approach to training, breaking the show into manageable sections and planning cue handovers carefully. This enabled them to build confidence steadily and deliver their first performance reliably and without issue, under supervision.

I really enjoyed the energy and immediacy of pantomime, and the balance it requires between precision and play. Supporting both the performers onstage and a developing member of the stage management team made this a particularly rewarding role, and reinforced how much I value collaborative, people-focused work in a fast-paced environment.