Beauty and the Beast

I was delighted to see CAOS Musical Theatre with their production of the well known story of Beauty and the Beast. A lesson in kindness, showing love but when opposed people being turned into talking objects, The Wardrobe, The lights, The Clock, The Beast, The Tea Cup and more. The Enchantress who whilst presenting a Red Rose to the selfish young Prince claims, he having been turned into a beast and the staff into furniture pieces, can only free the spell if kindness returns before the last petal falls.

A most impressive set, with drawn back cloths and large full stage height units, compliments must go to all the back stage who worked tirelessly throughout organizing the extensive amount of changes required. They were assisted on a number of occasions with ensemble members who kept well to their tasks.

CAOS have been performing high quality productions since 1924, recently celebrating 100 years of entertaining their Sheffield and Rotherham audiences. Their strength in depth comes from lifetime commitments of many families not simply performing but encouraging involvement in the unseen areas of society not taking the applause but without whom productions could not exist. Looking through the programme and seeing the continuing society ethos with Mums and Dads and sons and daughters on the same stage only confirms the family inclusion continues and goes from strength to strength.

The production team headed up by Jan Jackson along with Choreography by Gayle Holmes certainly provided a wealth of clever direction for the actors to develop. The production had so much to offer, emotions, love and hate, outright comedy, excellent ensemble pieces, plenty to be enjoyed by your full audience. Beauty and the Beast the Musical has so many memorable songs including If I Cant Love Her, No Matter What, Human Again and the show stopper full ensemble number with ‘ Be Our Guest’ . These were all performed to a high standard under the guidance of Peter Piper your musical Director who along his 5 piece orchestra played beautifully throughout.

Whilst most of the story revolves around The Beauty, Belle performed by Olivia Marsden and The Beast performed by Harry Lynch-Bowers both giving excellent performances, two strong character parts showing the full range of emotions as threat and fear eventually turns to love and understanding. The way you both developed the stage relationship was well acted culminating in the moving scenes following the story telling. Belle with compassionate story telling through song and performance and The Beast with bitterness, rage and revolt turning to kindness and care. I really enjoyed your solo of ‘If I Cant Love Her’. Belle avoiding the approaches of Gaston, lovely scenes with her father, Maurice played by Tom Barlow including the moving duet of ‘No Matter What’. The production gave opportunity for a number of smaller cameo parts all performed with conviction and clarity. The Narrator by Anthony Palmer, The Prince by David Clayton, The Enchantress by Sophie Robinson along with the giddy foursome of Amy Abdy, Eve Gregory, Essie Jerrison and Courtney Wilson hilariously acted whenever Gaston was present and Monsieur D’Arque and The Baker by Phil Tuffin. 

The Castle staff, having been turned into living furniture pieces, performed many excellent scenes, clarity and conviction, great singing and acting. Seriousness and comedy in equal portions. Cogsworth by Ben Jackson, Lumiere by Lee Hilton-Brammer, Mrs Potts by Kerry Masson-Wilson,Madame de la Grande Bouche by Amy Palmer ,Badette by Hannah Moore and not forgetting Chip by Eliza Clayton. What a little star Eliza was throughout, excellent clear speech and in character throughout, well done. These parts are never easy when wearing such costumes but you all excelled. Every production needs a baddy and side kick and in Gaston by Jonny White along with LeFou by Joe Cawton you have just that. The completely over the top, I’m the one and only and I will get the girl Gaston !! The perfect arrogant contrast to many of the other parts and along with your sidekick LeFou, totally mad as a box of frogs, performed memorable character roles. The strong ensemble only complemented the production, with lovely movement and song. Not an easy part to play with such a large cast in a comparatively small stage area but you all did well, and as mentioned earlier ,how lovely to see all ages involved. The costumes were quite outstanding, the props cleverly used. Thelighting and sound balances were excellent throughout. You should be delighted with the results and I was delighted to hear the production had sold well. Very best wishes for the remaining shows. 

Thank you to the front of house team who made us very welcome once again

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