Beauty and the Beast

This is one of several scripts which have been updated by Alan P Frayne to suit the expectations of today’s pantomime goers. The storyline of this tale is about a handsome prince who is surrounded by loyal citizens who admire his style and frequently tell him so.

Unfortunately as a result of this treatment the prince becomes selfish and extremely arrogant so that when he is visited by a beautiful young maiden named Belle who, despite appearing as a hag endeavours to convince him that beauty comes from within, she is cruelly dismissed. To help teach him this lesson, he is turned into an ugly monster and will only be returned to his handsome self when he is able to find true love – if this can ever be possible?

Thankfully Belle is prepared to help him and has the patience to show him the way; there is also a large cast of characters prepared to help her. In fact I cannot recall seeing such a large cast supported by so many villagers and chorus members assembled on the stage at Sleaford Little Theatre in previous shows. With enthusiastic acting, lively songs, outstanding costumes and this great script, Belle’s treatment of the prince brings about a change in his behaviour so that he is back to how he used to be and they fall in love.

This story is believed to have originated some 4,000 years ago and recent film versions, especially the animated film version released in 1991 by Disney, and lately the 2017 film, have served to promote interest in it among today’s youngsters. Suffice to say  it qualifies as a pantomime since the good guys win, the baddies get their come-uppance and they all live happily ever after. Well done all who were involved in this production.

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