Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast Jr a musical presented by Aspire Performing Arts Academy at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn on Monday 7th April 2025

Originally a French folk tale... ‘Beauty and the Beast’ follows the fortunes of an arrogant and selfish young Prince who is cast under a spell by a beautiful enchantress. Unless he could learn to love and be loved in return, he would be compelled to remain a Beast for ever! The average time of a West End Musical in the Theatre before opening night is four to five weeks. Aspire Performing Arts arrive at the Brindley Theatre at 6am. They then set about setting the scenery, lights and the sound.  Costumes and props are all accounted for... all before a Dress Rehearsal which is carried out during the afternoon followed by the show that commences at 7-30 pm.  At the end of the production all is to be removed by Midnight that same night... that is one long day!

What could go wrong... so much? What did go wrong, absolutely nothing! From arrival to departure, everything ran like clockwork... the show was cohesive and ran seamlessly, and everybody went home very happy and I would suggest very tired but thoroughly delighted at what went on and what was achieved!  

The Cast ... 
Lucy Baldwin took on the lead role of ‘Belle’ and played it with warmth, charm and complete understanding of the character ... well done Lucy. 
Erin Bardsley played the ‘Beast’.  Erin gave us a great portrayal of this iconic character. Not the easiest of roles but Erin played it ever so well. Good stage presence, played it with real feeling and understanding. Well done, Erin, good job. 
Millie Musker took on the role of ‘Lumiere’. Millie was able to bring life and energy to this character particularly in the ‘Be my Guest’ scene. Well done, Millie. 
Charlotte Pennington did and amazing job with the role of ‘Cogsworth’, providing us with as good an interpretation of this character as I have seen, even from much older actors. Be very proud Charlotte, great job! 
Ruby Lowe played ‘Mrs Potts’. This was a lovely warm interpretation of the character- excellent harmonies with Madam De Le Grand Bouche. Well done, Ruby. 
Thea Caldwell took on the role ‘Chip’. Instantly endearing, good interpretation... well done Thea.
Alexia Porter played ‘Babbette’ ... suitably feminine and playful, particularly in scenes with Lumiere. 
Isabelle Fawcett took the role of Madam De Le Grand Bouche. Isabelle has real stage presence and really provided us with some lovely harmony with Mrs Potts. Well done, Isabelle. 
Jaycob Levine played ‘Maurice’. Jaycob understood and captured the essence of the eccentric inventor- Belle's Farther. Well done Jaycob 
James Rathbone-Britch took on the role of ‘Gaston. James’s manner bearing and clever masculine stances gave real life to the character. Be very proud James. 
Leo Kylilis played the role of ‘LeFou’. Really believable as the accident-prone, loyal side kick of Gaston. Great job Leo.
Emma Shepherd took on the role of ‘Monsieur Dark’. Again, not the easiest of roles to play but portrayed with bearing and real stage presence. Good job Emma. 
‘The Silly Girls’ were played by ... Jasmine Watkinson, Anna Dixon, Kiera Bowles and Jessica Roberts. There was really feeling to these roles, lovely ditsy portrayal. Well done. 
Morgan Davidson played the Narrator... lovely crystal-clear voice, essential if playing a narrator role... read with genuine feelings. Be very proud Morgan. 
Jenna Barrow took on the role of the ‘Enchantress’ ...  perfectly cast, each line delivered with feeling. Well done, Jenna.
Mya Allen played the ‘Book Seller’ ... one of those parts with little dialogue but so important as it shines a light on Belle's intelligence and love of books. Lines delivered with meaning. Well done, Mya.
Keeley Eccleston played ‘Baker’ ... another with few words but important as mundane existence, prompts Belle to want more than this provincial life. Well done, Keeley.          
The Ensemble ... Ellie Houghton, Bella Pennington, Grace Leadbetter, Lola Milroy, Lucy Biggy, Sophie Hayes, Annie Stocks, Martha Hilton, Bethany Rankin, Francesca Hughes, Eleanor Featherstone, Olivia Cummings, Willow Hewitt, Caris Malkin, Gabby Baddley, Amelia Talbot, Sophie Roberts, Evie Sergent, Charlotte Booth, Scarlett Glynn, Alyssa O’Donnell, Arabella Hodgetts, Millie Hodgetts, Emma Booth, Josie Andrews, Connie Stewart-Simpson, Mollie Wilson, Dominic Woodcock and
Alex O’Donnell
Without exception, all those included under the ‘ensemble’ banner, were focused and involved in every scene. You lived your part with understanding and conviction. Movement was well coordinated and precise. Singing clear with excellent harmonies and real feeling for the words... be ever so proud folks, great job!  

Production Team .... Director, Choreographer and Musical Director Nicole Fagan drew the best performance out of each and every person on stage. It really is such a joy to see so many young people with so much confidence, self-belief, just enjoying themselves together on stage. Assistant Stage Managers and Prop Masters ... Katriana Houghton and Anton Roberts.
Assistant Choreographer ... Isabelle Matthews
Assistant Musical Director ...  Maria Fazakerly. 

This whole show was delivered with ‘Flair and Energy’ and despite the short run in time ... flowed seamlessly. 

Congrats to everyone involved in bringing this to stage.  Thank you so much for inviting me to your production, thanks for your welcome and hospitality throughout ... look forward to seeing you all again soon.

David Davies

Assistant Rep
NODA NW West
District 6  

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