Beauty and the Beast

This was a very strong show visually. The scenery was exceptional with beautifully painted scene cloths. Costumes were plentiful and exquisite, and hair and makeup were beautifully done. It was clear that this group have a superb production and backstage team, with very smooth scene changes, excellent props and a very professional look to the whole show. The script was well written with plenty of jokes and one liners. I especially enjoyed the scene in the kitchen with bread puns galore!

Nanny Nightnurse (Jamie W) was the perfect pantomime Dame. A seemingly effortless rapport with the audience, plenty of double entendres and easy ad-libbing, this performance was everything you could wish for in a Dame. Outstanding! Brie (Tirion) was also extremely professional. Like Nanny Nightnurse, she quickly established an excellent rapport with the audience and really lifted every scene she was in with her boundless energy. Very well done.

Sacré Bleu (Clare), the baddie, elicited the required boos for each of her entrances. She had great stage presence and a commanding voice. Salé (Nicky) and Poivre (Freddie) as her side kicks provided good support.

Spirit of the Mirror (Anna) was a delightful good fairy and a nice contrast to Sacré Bleu. 

Belle (Cassidy) delivered her lines confidently and had a lovely singing voice. She acted and moved well and established a good chemistry with the Prince. Prince Claude/Beast (Jamie S) was also a strong actor moving from obnoxious and arrogant to more likeable and sympathetic as the show progressed. Despite some of the songs being pitched a little low for him, he sang well and had a satisfying stage presence throughout.

Professor Philippe (Ben) did a fine job as the likeable inventor father. Franque (Ryan) and his side kick Clochard (Georgina) were very well played, bringing much humour and vitality to their scenes.

The large ensemble had clearly been well drilled, with accurate dancing and a wonderful energy throughout. I especially enjoyed Belle’s number at the end of Act 1. The vocals were strong, with a good balance. Without doubt the musical side of the show was lifted hugely by the presence of a live band in the theatre. They sounded great and handled the various music cues to highlight the gags brilliantly. Overall, this was a well directed, well rehearsed show with some stand out principal performances. The time flew by and the applause and cheers from the capacity audience as the curtain came down were well deserved. Many congratulations to all involved. 

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