Beauty and the Beast

For his pantomime directorial debut, and the group’s 30th annual pantomime, Colin Jones could not have picked a better script. It was full of humour and pathos in equal measure with a generous sprinkling of good old fashioned panto gags mixed with local and topical references. There was also an excellent range of music from ABBA to songs from shows such as Hairspray, Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and of course Beauty and the Beast to now traditional Christmas songs like Merry Christmas Everyone, played by the 5-piece band. Young Suren Jayasinghe was outstanding as Prince Rowan/Beast with both a strong stage presence and singing voice. Zoe Meldrum was his equal in every aspect in the part of Beauty. Grahame Whyte as Madam Lotte made a perfect dame with just the right amount of sauciness and in ever increasingly spectacular costumes as the show progressed. She made a good comedy pairing with cheeky Charlie (her son) played by Paula Milne and their baking whilst singing slapstick routine had the audience in stitches. Another strong comedy character was Fifi the French chambermaid, the object of Charlie’s affections, with her flirtations with the gentlemen of the chorus! Good and evil were represented by Hilary Esson’s sparkling Rose Fairy and the eminently boo-able sorceress Horridana played by Stephanie Wild. Strong support was given by Stewart McMain, in a trousered role for a change, as Beauty’s father Panisse, Sara Stewart as the Prince’s valet Thomas and Ashley Mildon as innkeeper Yvette. Every one of the principals had excellent singing voices which were put to good effect in the solos, duets and ensemble numbers. Chorus singing and movement were also very good. The set was colourful and appropriate to each scene and well lit. Costuming was good with the principal’s costumes reflecting those used in the films so each character was instantly recognisable. Congratulation to all at Culter Theatre Club on an excellent production.

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