Beauty and The Beast

I am not sure a panto version of such a charismatic story really worked for me but then it was for the audience, young and old and they absolutely loved it!

Scenery and lighting was good and all ran smoothly. Mrs Bidet (Peter Calver), resplendent in all the different costumes and wigs, soon got the audience into panto mood, as did Pepe (Chris Backway, in his first show with TOPs), making sure we got our ‘boos’ in the right place, especially for the witch (Ali Morris). We were gradually introduced to the different characters Danton (Steve Bedford) and his three followers, the comic element Marcel (Tom Lilley) and Marceau (Mandie Stronge), Jacques (Rick Morris) and Hugo (Beth Blundell). All supported really well by the ensemble with their singing and dancing. It was nice to see the children involved (Team Belle) who were very well disciplined – well done.

Costumes were excellent and well thought out, especially when the castle staff had been changed into knives, forks and spoons together with the candlestick (Nicky Roberts) and the clock (Robert Medhurst). Laura Mackie made a lovely Belle with a beautiful singing voice – pity she didn’t have more solos. She and the Beast (Alistair Kerr) worked well together. A clever touch changing the Beast’s voice, so that it was lower in register and booming. The rest of the supporting cast worked well together.

Choreography was suitable for the large cast and the singing was ably supported by the band, a versatile quartet led by M.D. Andy Rapps. I didn’t know any of the songs though!

Good direction and choreography by Joanna Morrison and a cast that were obviously enjoying themselves, that’s what it’s all about – Oh yes it is.

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