Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast: The Musical follows the enchanting tale of Belle, a young woman who finds herself in a mysterious castle owned by a Beast. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she uncovers the truth—that the Beast is a cursed prince. The spell can only be broken if he learns to love and is loved in return before the final petal falls from a magical rose. Throughout the musical, Belle and the Beast forge a deep connection, confronting challenges and discovering the transformative power of love.

Upon arrival at the venue, I was warmly greeted by the front-of-house officials—a truly delightful welcome! What impressed me immediately was learning that this society builds everything within the venue, transforming a leisure space into a fully functional theatre. Entering the auditorium, I was taken in by the magical performance space they had created, with an open stage and castle doors on display, setting the tone for an exciting evening. The presence of a live orchestra, led by Musical Director Ed Nurse, was a joy to witness. Their seamless and captivating performance added immense depth to the characters and ensemble numbers, producing a rich, dynamic sound that truly elevated the production.

The stage itself utilised different levels to create height and dimension, which were cleverly incorporated into the direction by Emma Bowyer. Emma ensured entrances, exits, comedic timing, and dramatic tension were well-executed, bringing clarity and cohesion to the production.

From the very opening, the ensemble exploded onto the stage in the lively village scene, delivering a rich rendition of Belle. Despite the limited space, particularly during choreographed movement, the ensemble sang beautifully with charisma and character. This energy continued throughout the ensemble numbers. Choreographer, Rebecca Wood faced a challenging task managing so many performers in the confined stage space, yet she skilfully designed sequences with expressive arm movements and dynamic formations, enhancing the overall choreographic experience.

Samantha Bailey shone as Belle, delivering a consistently strong performance that embodied intelligence, compassion, and independence. Her rendition of Home was beautifully controlled, with impressive projection that held the audience's attention. Samantha animated Belle’s gestures and body language with precision, making her portrayal feel authentic. Alongside Belle, her father Maurice, played by Daniel Mellor, brought warmth and eccentricity to the role. Daniel masterfully conveyed Maurice’s loving yet absent-minded nature, and his touching rendition of No Matter What was delivered with heartfelt passion.

On the other end of the spectrum, we meet Gaston, played by Chris Smart, and his sidekick Lefou. Gaston was performed with undeniable confidence and a relentless self-obsession, fully embracing the belief that he is Belle’s ideal match. Chris commanded the stage, especially in his number Me, showcasing a charismatic presence that made Gaston both entertaining and formidable.

Inside the castle, we were introduced to Lumiere (Ian Chatterton), Cogsworth (Gareth Smith), Babette (Bethan Evans), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Lyndsey Florin), and Chip (Dylan Moore). Each performer clearly dedicated time to researching, rehearsing, and perfecting their characters. The comedic exchanges between Lumiere and Cogsworth had the audience laughing, while Mrs. Potts radiated warmth and motherly charm in her stunning rendition of Beauty and the Beast. Chip, played by Dylan Moore, captured the playful, excitable nature of the young boy with excellent dialogue clarity and projection.

Though there were occasional moments where the stage lighting felt slightly dim, making facial expressions harder to see, the overall energy and projection of each performer remained strong from start to finish. Many thanks again to Urmston for their exceptional hospitality and warm welcome—I eagerly look forward to seeing your next production.

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