Beauty and the Beast

Arriving at a packed and highly excited foyer, there was a huge expectation that this was going to be a top class evening. We entered the auditorium, which was already in semi darkness to increase the anticipation, and the set obscured by a plain gauzed syche with the "Beauty and the Beast" logo's etc projected on. Now the lights dimmed and the show began.

The Orchestra of nineteen were very ably led by Martin Bennetts and made a terrific sound, not a note out and all in time. One could be forgiven that this was not a professional orchestra, but then the standard of the individual musicians is of a very high calibre. We were transported into the fantasy world. The opening scene, the market square was full of the chorus crossing and interacting. A very busy start with the promise of more to come. The lighting and sound enhanced brilliantly the overall production, the lighting cleverly programmed to bring the action into focus and the sound completely complimented the relationship between orchestra and principles, not an easy job these days, well done.. 

The choreography for the show was provided by Abbie Jennings and was outstanding. It was inventive, challenging at times (a good thing) and fit each of the scenes well, especially Be our Guest, Human Again and the Finale. It was quite obvious that the thought and detail that had gone into this was matched by the chorus and principles enthusiasm and the obvious hard work during the rehearsals came across brilliantly, we were all totally engrossed in what we were seeing and hearing. A real treat for all our senses.

The fabulous stage and set, all in place, the sound and lighting, first class, and the costumes...Wow! So many of them and so bright and clean, they all fitted and enhanced amazingly the whole production. Well done Mandy Harrison and her team.

The principles all played their roles with confidence and the diction was clear and concise, at a good pace, any words dropped were certainly not noticed from where I was in the auditorium. Lizzi Li, Belle, played the role with spirit and a happy smile, ably backed up by Teddy Clements as the Beast, Jim Smith as Luminere, Mark Ponsford as Cogsworth, all with really polished performances. Adam Rush as Gaston and Noah Clayton-Hart were a great double act that worked well together and equally the motherly and enduring relationship between Mrs Potts, Lizze Bewley, and Maggie Basinger (today's Chip) were played so well. A lot of work here for Lizzie I feel having two chips to work with. Well done. The diction here needs a mention. Outstanding from all the principles and chorus alike. With the amount of fast paced movements from a full stage, one could be forgiven, but, as all the words, spoken and sung were clear, we could follow the storyline with ease.

This was a show of rich lavishness, Well rehearsed, fast paced, inventive choreography, very good staging and full of enthusiasm, Alick Leach, the Director, has brought to The Point a show of professional quality. One that actually deserved the standing ovation that it received. Sometimes superlatives are never enough. Congratulations Alick and the Spot On team. 11/10!

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