Beauty and the Beast

At last Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ comes to Maidstone in a “blaze of glory” by MAOS this week. What a transformation MAOS has taken in the past year or so. I had to pinch myself, was I at the right venue? Directors Francene Harris and Debbie Brenan brought their professionalism to this ‘Beauty and Beast' and, along with Briony Chaplin as Choreographer and Peter Bailey as Musical Director, brought this Beauty and the Beast to a very high standard in community theatre.  

What a cast! Emily Price as Belle brought us a stunning performance with her beautiful vocals and some splendid acting. This young lady has perfect stage presence. What a beast of a part for Barry Shyvers. Barry did this with ease! His control was upper most, both in his vocals and acting and he looked scary as a beast should look, a solid and well-balanced portrayal of the beast from Barry. Perfect. Six supporting actors gave wonderful characterisation in their parts: Simon Patient as Cogsworth the clock, Steve Adams as Lumiere, Natassia Gunn as Mrs Potts the teapot, Julie Argent as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Lauren Wingrove as Babette, and of course Emma Hargrave as Chip the small tea pot, stuck in a tea trolley. These actors not only had to worry about singing and dialogue they all had things to control candles, a spout, drawers, and a moveable trolley, and they coped with ease,  while keeping in character. Tony Chase as Gaston owned the stage when on, and was in good voice, he clearly wanted to be seen, a great part for Tony - he had the muscles for the part and did he show them! Asleigh Smith as Lefou had a great taste for comedy. Bruce Wilton as Maurice, Belle’s father, was suitably cast and gave a nice softness to the part.

The chorus of 20-ish and smaller cameo parts and dancers where all in very good voice and when all on stage gave a wonderful sound, this being due to Peter Bailey's musical direction. Choreography by Briony: your dancers did you proud and your staging and dance were stylish. Sound SA Events: I heard every word and note. Lighting I thought was lacking at times on individual actors. Costumes by Molly Limpets costume hire were nice.

Now for my tiny gripes: A programme that had good info on the cast etc, but was impossible to read in the theatre. The reason being white and red on black, and very small print - sorry. Your stage setters were in black with white stripped trainers: yes that is ok with a blackout but not with full lighting, it’s a little off putting, when in some scenes it was moved in by cast members much better! My last gripe: not all, but some actors didn’t remain in character when leaving stage, one must remain till you are completely off. Also watch those sight lines. Small things, but noticeable to many an evil eye…mine!

MOAS this was an exceptional piece of theatre, I and my guest, were enthralled by the level of expertise and level of performances…. Thank you

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