Beauty and the Beast

Having won the NODA Award for best Pantomime last year, it is not hard to see why NADOS are worthy winners.  This year’s pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast showcases this society in a way that easily explains why they are winners and why they could be, year on year.  NADOS produce pantomimes that are slick, energetic, professional in approach and entertaining from start to finish.  Director Vicky Dilworth has produced another hit that wowed the audience this week.  There is so much content within this production for all members of the audience that we were thoroughly entertained throughout.  The classic storyline is in there for the younger members of the audience, as well as the slapstick humour and the visuals.  For the adults, there are one liners, funny ad libs and the script is littered with smut and innuendos.  The staging is great with sets built by the company, clever use of the cloths that help establish location whilst making scene changes quick thus keeping up the pace, and the costumes and lights help add more layers to this whole piece.  The clever script, with its horrendous French words is funny and highlighted the whole way through, ensuring continuity.   The cast are at the top of their game and it is so refreshing to see dance numbers from the cast and chorus instead of movement.  There is so much more I could say about this production.  If there are any societies out there that are thinking of producing a pantomime – this is how it is done!

The musical director, Barry Dilworth enabled the use of sound cues, backing tracks, rewriting of lyrics and playing throughout the show.   It is abundantly clear that Barry has been busy rehearsing and amending in order to comply with copyright and ensuring the transition from script is enhanced through lyrics and it did not go unnoticed by me.  Well done to Barry and his team!

As I mentioned above, it was great to see dance routines within a pantomime as generally pantos are filled with young kids so there is no space to dance.  Choreographers Neeve Dilworth and Rhianna Swyer were able to showcase the older chorus dancers’ ability very well, as well as allowing the younger members of the society to have their chance to shine in the spotlight.  The community spirit within the different ages groups is apparent and this bodes well for the future of this society. 

The set and costumes were great, particularly the costumes.  With so many cast members this must have been a very hard job so special credit must go to Gary Williams, Barbara Whitaker and Sarah Hutchinson for their hard work in creating the great costumes for the chorus and utensils in the palace.  The costumes for the Dame were once again superb!

Neeve Dilworth played the role of the protagonist Belle.  Neeve was suitably sweet and demure and was able to showcase her singing skills as well as keeping the whole story together – a lovely performance.

Danny Murray was great as the Beast and very believable.  I would’ve preferred if his mic was a little lower as the beast shouted a lot.  Danny used his physicality well to convey this character – a strong performance.

Jon Kennedy played the role of Franque.  Jon was fabulous in this role and was very entertaining throughout.  He had the right amount of arrogance, humour and showmanship and worked extremely well with his sidekick Clochard (Brandon O’Leary) who was camper than a row of tents.  The rapport between these two and the ‘will they won’t they’ scenario was maintained the whole way through, and both were very entertaining with great comic timing.

Louise Morris was back once again as the funny slapstick character that draws the audience in from the beginning.  It’s not hard to see why Louise was nominated last year for her comedy skills and this year was no different.  Louise is able to get the audience involved whilst providing a great amount of pace and energy – another strong performance.

The baddie of the piece was Sacre Bleu, played by Leanne Barnes.  Leanne was great and well-cast in this role.  She had all of the characteristics of voice and physicality to play this role and she gave a good performance.  Leanne was able to get the right number of boos and hisses from the audience without asking for them – no mean feat.

Matthew Swann used his voice and physicality well to play Belle’s father.  I really got the confused inventor vibe which came across well.  Matthew was also well cast in this role and entertaining to watch.

The baddie’s counterpart was the Spirit of the Mirror, played by Alisha Morris.  Alisha did well and gave a performance with an essence of Peter Pan, which I enjoyed.  Other parts were played by Vicki Dilworth (the entertaining Forchette with great comic timing and stage presence), Zahra Bhatti (a cute and lovable Culliere), Rachel Hogg (a very funny and brilliant French accent – Poivre) and Olivia Trapnell (a funny dry sense of humour).  All of these actors were great, as was their characterisations and storytelling. 

The star of the show, once again, was the incredible Andrew Marsh as Nanny Nightnurse.  It is abundantly clear why Andrew won the NODA award for Best Male Comedy performance and he did not disappoint once again.  Andrew is by far the best panto dame I’ve seen to date.  His ad libs, audience participation, comic timing and beautiful singing voice makes him stand out for being at the top of his game in this genre!  Superb!

Overall, this production was a massive success.  I enjoyed it from start to finish and it was clear to see the audience’s enjoyment from the constant laughter and applause.  There is a lot of community spirit from both the audience and from within the society.  This is an inclusive society that doesn’t shy away from maintaining high standards of amateur theatre.  A great night at the theatre!  I thank NODOS for their wonderful hospitality – the cheese board was delicious!  I wish them all the best for their upcoming productions of Honk! And 9 to 5 later on in the year.

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