Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast, the Pantomime, is based on the fairy tale in which Prince is cursed and transformed into a beast, and (as in true pantomime tradition) can only be released from the curse by the power of true love. As with every pantomime, this does happen, but only after a few new characters, corny jokes, slapstick comedy, men dressed as women and vice versa and a few ad libs along the way. There's not much point in giving a full synopsis of the show as it basically it follows the story we have all come to know and love, with slight name changes and a few other characters.

Emilia Law played Belle with a feistiness hardly ever seen in a principal girl lead, yet managed to come across as warm and kind hearted, showing the emotion required in the role.

Amos Rand made a very competent Beast, but due to the restrictions of the mask, showed no real expression, though his body language managed to convey how he was feeling most of the time.

The role of the Prince, pre and post Beast was performed well by Charlotte Lucas. As with all good pantomimes, there's the counter-balance of good and evil - this came in the form of Flora the Spirit of the Rose, and Belladonna, the Wicked Sorceress. Flora (Rosie Eccles) and Belladonna (Alice Payne) played their parts really well, bouncing off each other. Belladonna really came into her own when interacting with the audience. Alice's great comic timing shone through.

Oliver Pearson once again donned the dress and the role of Pantomime Dame - Madame Fifi. Once again Oliver showed that he is not afraid to poke fun at himself, nor anyone else for that matter. Oliver worked well with Casper Brocklebank as Jacques, Fifi's son. They both had a great rapport, though on occasion had a tendancy to push the next funny line out over an audience laugh. Timing of this will definitely come with experience.

As Belle’s scientist father Alphonse, Freya Satterthwaite was a very confident, eccentric character, just right for the role, with Abigael Kendall and IsabelleTaylor having an absolute ball as Belle’s sisters, Whitney and Britney - both with a penchant for causing trouble.

The Role of Gustave, the real villain of the piece was more than capably played by Maxwell Muldoon Smith. The part calls for arrogance, machismo and self confidence, Maxwell played it with aplomb.

Bailey Alexander and Alice Evans added to the mix in another comic duo, Marcel and Monique.

Chorus work was good, and there was some nice grouping and good use of the stage throughout.

Staging was good - fold out pieces of flats depicting different locales, larger props brought on by crew and hand props to define different areas.

Lighting and sound, as per were on point, with sound effect perfectly timed. Director and Choreographer Grace Heap must be really pleased and proud of all that she achieved with this group.

Thank you, Grange Musical Theatre Society for your invite and hospitality

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