Beauty and the Beast

Director and Choreographer Darren-Paul was fulfilling a dream, with the aid of the members of Arbroath Musical Society, when he brought this production of a “tale as old as time” to the stage and a magnificent job he made of it. From the opening notes from the 11 piece orchestra, under the expert baton of Musical Director Kirsten, to the rousing finale the full house audience were spell bound. Elyse Gray, in the lead role of Belle, was a delight to watch and listen too. Her contrasting interactions with her suitors – feisty with Gaston and tender with the Beast – were well portrayed and her singing voice shown to it’s best in her rendition of “Belle” and “A Change in Me”. Spencer Shek, as the Beast, handled the characters changes from almost ogre-like brute to loving gentleman well. His voice was shown to it’s best in his powerful and emotional rendition of “If I Can’t Love Her” at the closing of Act 1. Gaston, the villain of the piece, is a wonderful part for an actor to play and Alasdair Semple attacked it with gusto. He strutted across the stage in the “Gaston” number as if he owned it. He was ably assisted by his sidekick Lefou played by a hugely comical, and nimble, young Kai Hutcheon. As for the servants Brian Boyd as crusty Cogsworth and Bruce Martin as the flirtatious candelabra Lumiere made a wonderful comic pairing as they bickered with each other. Lynne McIntosh was a truly motherly Mrs Potts and her beautiful rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” brought a tear to the eye. Eilidh Mallard as her cup bound son Chip was a delight especially at his joy in being transformed back into a human. Jessica Buick as the flighty feather duster Babette, with an eye for Lumiere, brought a smile to everyone’s face with her interactions with him. Laura Barclay as the wardrobe Madame de la Grande Bouche made an impressive sight with an operatic voice to match. Strong support was given by Findlay McDonald (Maurice), David Mitchell (Monsieur D’arque) and Shelley Brandie, Jessica Taylor and Angelisa Chalmers (Les Filles de la Ville). The large ensemble moved and sang well throughout but especially in the glittering “Be Our Guest” number with it’s intricate choreography. The costumes were colourful and appropriate to each character. The set too was bold and colourful as befits a fairytale and good use was made of lighting to add to the atmosphere especially in the flight scenes in the woods. Congratulations to everyone at Arbroath Musical Society for delivering such an entertaining production.

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