The award-winning panto rebels He’s Behind You! return to Charing Cross Theatre this festive season with their latest adults-only extravaganza, Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story.
Running from Friday 21st November 2025 to Sunday 11th January 2026, this gloriously ridiculous and exuberantly gay fairytale promises a riotous blend of outrageous humour, original music, and queer-infused fun.
Set in the frostbitten Scottish village of Lickmanochers, the story follows innocent Bertie, a devoted son waiting for Mr Right, who finds himself imprisoned by a moody, aristocratic beast with unruly body hair and a castle in desperate need of a makeover.
Returning to the stage are He’s Behind You! favourites Matthew Baldwin and Chris Lane. Baldwin, described as “sublime” by The Guardian and “wonderful” by TimeOut, reprises his role as dame. Lane, praised for his “dazzling performance” in Ghosted: Another F**ing Christmas Carol*, joins the cast once again.
Writer Jon Bradfield said, “You could say that the Beauty and the Beast story taps into ideas about body image, isolation and relationships in the gay community in today’s online world. But as we’re not Arts Council funded, we’re making a very silly and embarrassingly rude romantic comedy, and I cannot wait to make magic, laughter and spectacle again with my wonderful creative family, and to share some heartwarming winter laughter with our brilliant audience.”
The creative team includes long-time collaborators Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper (writers), Andrew Beckett (director), Carole Todd (choreographer), and Oli Sones (producer). With dazzling designs and plenty of mischief, this new panto romcom is set to be a festive highlight.
He’s Behind You! continues to put queer narratives at the heart of their productions, combining traditional panto charm with the sharper edges of adult comedy.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
