26th April 2025
Murder on the Airwaves
Three Towns Theatre Company, Upchurch Village Hall
Beauty and the Beast
Author: Christine Blow
Information
- Date
- 28th November 2022
- Society
- First Act 2011
- Venue
- Shanklin Theatre
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Rowan Lathey
- Musical Director
- Lottie Laidler
- Choreographer
- M Bavington, L Estcourt, L. Laidler, D Pope, T, Stockman
- Written By
- Rowan Lathey
First Act always put on an enjoyable pantomime and this one was no exception. The welcome was very warm and it was good to see a good number in the audience of around 100. This show was performed over three nights with cast changes on each performance.
The programme was informative. The director’s notes explained that they were unable to use any of the original songs from Beauty and the Beast owing to rules and regulations. However, the choice of music had been carefully thought out and was perfect. The cast excelled in all of the songs. Particularly enjoyable were the renditions of ‘Roll out the Barrel’ and ‘Consider Yourself’ which were sung with gusto and obvious enjoyment. The wonderful ‘You’ll Be in my Heart’, which closed Act 1, definitely left the audience wanting more. The pre-recorded backing tracks allowed the director to sit in front of the stage to offer prompts and encouragement. This worked well and she was also aided by the hardworking helpers on stage who unobtrusively ensured a fast pace was maintained throughout the performance. The choreography was effective and great to watch with the cast obviously fully engaged and with smiles on their faces.
The costumes were colourful, uniform and beautiful. It was also good to see some of the cast in wigs. Props were kept to a minimum and the backdrops, including the glittery curtain were very effective.
The entire cast worked very hard. The four leads were clearly committed to their roles and gave their all. Jade Hornbuckle was a very competent narrator. Rachel Stone (Belle) gave her usual exuberant performance and was a joy to observe. Ashleigh Jones (Anoton) gave a very good and confident performance.
Overall, it was a brilliant pantomime that was enjoyed by everyone who had the privilege of being there. Full credit to Rowan Lathey plus tutors and helpers for bringing this, by their own admission, particularly challenging script, to fruition.
Congratulations to the whole cast and crew. You should be very proud.
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