Beauty and the Beast

Dronfield MTG bring Disney to the Dronfield Civic in their usual inimitable style,innovative projections, great costumes, well thought out props, a cast of many and a strong principal line up. Dronfield are a truly well established theatre group performing annual pantomimes and musicals to their loyal audiences. Their strength in depth come from the continued loyalty of families not simply performing but assisting with all aspects of a production. Set building, painting, costumes making, sourcing and producing suitable props and much more. 

The famous story of Beauty and the Beast needs no introduction except to remember that good can only be returned when love and kindness prevail, and this before the final rose petal falls.  In the meantime the servants of the castle become a clock, a teapot, a tea cup, a candle stick holder along with changed other characters.

The production team under the eye of Mark Cunningham along with Zea Hutchinson brought out so many memorable scenes full of emotion and strength. The choreography by Andrea Powell was well thought out in particular with such a large senior and junior ensemble moving well in the restricted stage space. The auditorium was cleverly used providing additional space and an improved view line for the audience to enjoy. The vision of using cleverly thought out projections through the differing scenes added real depth , compliments to John Pashley to this excellent addition to the production. The singing was well performed be it solo, duets and groups all performed well with the guidance of your musical director, Judith Hayward who really brought out the committed acting through song seen throughout this musical.

The musical centres around the Beast by Edward Hodd and Belle by Elle Ashmore, two talented performers who portrayed excellent chemistry moving through horror and fear to compassion and love. Powerful singing in particular with the beast singing ‘If I can’t love her ‘and Belle with ‘A change in Me’ to her father, along with many others. The love triangle centered around the all-conquering, or not, arrogant Gaston by Charlie Betts who gave a strong performance throughout, particularly following an accident the day before, requiring him to use a stick, a great ‘the show must go on ‘attitude. No Gaston can manage without a sidekick Lefou performed by Aaron Sweet forming a great duo .

The servants, Lumiere by Andrew Hibbert with real poise, aconvincing French accent and fronting the well known ‘ Be Our Guest’ then being joined by the full ensemble complete with knives forks plates of food,a lovely piece of ensemble involvement., Cogsworth by Paul Black another strong performer with great comedic timing, and Mrs Potts by Sarah Betts, a commanding role, great singing and tender scenes with Chip performed by Harry Welsby and shared with Florence Pendlebury . We saw Florence who gave a clear,confident performance and I’m sure Harry performed to the same high level. Well done to you both. Badette by Rachel Cooper Bassett and Madame de la Grande Bouche by Janet Black, two very disciplined performances, not easy portraying sauciness with just the right level of tease and the wardrobe, stiff and upright with an excellent accented solo song. Smaller cameos by Maurice by Ian Brady with memorable scenes with Belle, his daughter. Monsieur D’Arque by Finley Jowle, Narrator by Mark Cunningham, Enchantress by ZeaHutchinson, Young Prince by Oscar Aspinall and Swing by Kara Hawkins. A large senior and junior ensemble, though sometimes short of space, performed with gusto. Well done. An all round great production thoroughly enjoyed by your sell out audience.  Compliments to the stage crew who worked tirelessly with numerous scene changes. 

Thank you for your hospitality and so delighted you had a successful run,

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