Beauty and the Beast

I was privileged to cover for another rep to see this lavish production of Beauty and the Beast in the Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt. The change in normal venue had been necessary due to the contractual requirements regarding capacity. I am led to believe that the venue is a simple blank space when first entered, however, with the ingenuity of the company, the vision of the director, and no doubt a lot of hard work the Crypt was transformed into a magical castle and French village scene. Hire of raked seating allowed the working on the floor rather than a raised stage.

Disney write a good story and with the help of the hire of the touring companies costume set the production was as lavish as it was magnificent.

The prologue (read dramatically by John Anthony) told of how the spoilt prince was tricked by a beautiful enchantress (Angela Hare) and turned into a hideous beast along with his entourage of staff until sometime as he could learn to love someone and gain their love in return. Playing the young handsome prince was Alex Bourner before his alter-ego ‘hideous beast’ took over.

‘Belle’ was played by Rebecca Dale whose diction was truly flawless as her character was introduced in the opening scene – her whole demeanour, singing, and acting were outstanding  also throughout the production as she at first shunned the Beast and then slowly learned to love him.
For every Ying there is a Yang and the ‘Beast’ was performed (behind his mask) by Daniel Matuszak whose voice was simply stunning and his acting from ‘angry’ to ‘compassionate’ over the course of the show was exemplary. ‘If I can’t Love Her’ as the finale of Act 1 was powerful and emotional amongst the many adjectives you could employ.

Belle’s father, ‘Maurice’ was played by her real life father, Simon Dale, so the chemistry between their tenderness was not only real but palpable especially in their duet ‘No Matter What’.

Brawny hunk, ‘Gaston’ (Michael Reeve) accompanied by his ubiquitous sidekick ‘Lefou’ (Phil Green) was a coupling made in heaven as Gaston used Lefou as a willing stooge and Lefou was more than willing to accede. The addition to the duo by ‘Msr D’arque’ (Alan Pickthall) made a very amoral trio. Looking very muscular and manly Michael oozed charm with his acting and singing and had the ‘Silly Girls’ (Amelia Brown, Adelle Almond, Katie Shepherd and Becki Stowe – other nights Amy Robinson, Emma Duggan, Penny Collier and Evie Donald) hanging off his every word.

In the enchanted castle the Beast’s enchanted servants were determinately trying to guide their master to find love and break the curse. Loveable ‘Mrs Potts’ (Georgina Bailey) and her young son ‘Chips’ (Alfie Holley – Oliver Duggan on other nights) was enchanting with her rendition of the title song ‘Beauty and the Beast’; ‘Lumiere’ (Finlay Buchanan – Jake Mason on other nights) was flamboyant and charismatic with a superb voice.; ‘Mdme Grande le  Bouche’ (Sarah Appleby) had a lovely voice and was charming throughout; ‘Babette’ (Jayne Holley) showed her acting ability well as she swerved all away from ‘her’ Lumiere; ‘Cogsworth’ finally was played by Alan Iveson in a manner that only he could and was truly meant for the role.

An ensemble including Baker (Scott Robinson), Bookseller (Terry Bytheway) gave great harmonies of very bright and tuneful numbers and greatly enhanced the overall production.

Choreography in the very safe hands of Nic Jenkins was magnificent. Vocals under the tutelage of MD Jason Mitchell was superb with many harmonies heard throughout and his orchestra brilliant. Sound and lighting was crisp and appropriate with Teesside’s trademark back projections making this a very slick production and one befitting the reputation of TMTC and their production team – well done to all concerned.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.