It's become something of a tradition to enjoy a smash hit musical at Christmas in Cardiff thanks to the Wales Millennium Centre 's festive programming, that's included everything from Les Miserables to Oliver! over the years.
Last year we had to miss out on The Phantom Of The Opera as the Covid pandemic forced theatres to close.
But now the centre has reopened its doors once more with Covid-secure measures in place and this time round families can enjoy Disney's Beauty And The Beast.
Read more: Pantomimes in Wales 2021: We review the biggest festive shows as they return after lockdown
The lavish, oppulent and fun production is just what the doctor ordered.
From start to finish you are enraptured by the tale which hammers home the message that beauty is only skin deep - something much-needed during these Insta times.
It follows the story of an arrogant young prince (Alyn Hawke) and his castle's servants who fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return.
The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle (Courtney Stapleton) enters the Beast's castle after he imprisons her father Maurice (Martin Ball).
With the help of his enchanted servants, including Mrs. Potts (Sam Bailey), Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation.
X Factor winner Bailey is unrecognisable as the matronly Mrs Potts and while the enchanting number Tale As Old As Time shows off the vocals we know her for, her humerous and sensitive portrayal proves her worth as an actress too.
Stapleton is an energetic and loveable Belle (she was the 10-year-old's favourite) and she and Hawke have great chemistry as the unlikely couple.
Stand out for me was Sam Murphy as Lumiere who is simply charming as the castle's footman and maitre d' who has been turned into a candelabra.
It might not be panto but Tom Senior drew plenty of boos during curtain call for his portrayal of the vain and muscly Gaston who is desperate to win Belle's hand but fails miserably.
Beauty And The Beast is a great ensemble piece and one of the highlights was the extremely well-choreographed bar scene featuring a routine with beer tankards.
The sets and costumes are just breathtaking, transporting us from the luscious muted black and silver tones of Beast's lair to a full-on riot of colour during a Moulin Rogue-esque performance for Be Our Guest including dancers with plumes and a really clever section where they replicate a kaleidoscope. Just fabulous.
Disney's Beauty And The Beast is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff until Saturday, January 16. Click here for details and tickets.
To get the latest What's On newsletter from WalesOnline, click here
