Beauty and the Beast

Melksham Music and Drama’s

Production of
Beauty and the Beast.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Friday 13 th February 2026
at The Rachel Fowler Centre, Melksham.

Script by Bradford and Webster ( Panto.scripts - NODA)

Directed by Jake Clifford & Joeanne Londors

Musical Director - Ali Turrell,

Choreography - Katie Mence, Penny Smart, Brad Doman & Aurelia Karczewska.

Costumes - Donna Ruderman, Sharon Hellyer & Carol Mitcham.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is
inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

Always worth the trip down to see this very good group and always a very
warm welcome - so thank1s to everyone. I’ve recently seen several
versions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast so it was with delight I looked
forward to seeing this version which came from the large NODA collection
of scripts to hire. Here was a slightly different story which was well suited
to the talents of this group. The Pantomime was sold out for each
performance which is such great news for a small group and justifies all
the work put into it.
This was a very well constructed show. Put together with thought and
care by Joeanne and Jake. Their attention to detail, pace and energy was
great for a first joint effort into the difficult world of Pantomime. Given the
acting space and it’s confines it was a labour of love but one that was
worth the effort. The cast were all good in their roles and bonded well as
a group – each supporting each other. The acting was ever present even
in the mass cast scenes. Such a good job done that I think I will not
mention individual roles. I loved the way that no one person stole the
spotlight even with a very good “Baddie”. There were some small really
good actions performed throughout the show – a stolen kiss here, the
aside look there. All cast members were on stage and acting! Well
Done!The set pieces were overall handled well. Scenery was good but
modest as space allowed. Costumes were good, as always, and it was
great to see the Beast well dressed. The Dame was very well dressed
considering the family were supposed to be very poor at the time. The
transformation scenes set on the stage side were well handled and very
smoothly performed.

It is well to remember that an audience for Panto is a mixture of many
ages so that there is not a need for musical numbers to be current and
older tunes could be acceptable. Some of the music choices flew over my
head but I did enjoy “Looking for me”, “Love doesn’t stand a chance” &
“Everybody”.
The scene at the Beauty saloon was a hoot and gave a very unexpected
boost to the show. I would have liked to hear some gentle background
music to help kill the dead spots that occurred, mainly by nerves, but the
whole cast was to be congratulated on a scene well done! I think I would
have enjoyed being a fly on the wall for those rehearsals!
I do have some small suggestions that might have improved the show
even more from my point of view. Firstly each change of scene, that was
so well co-ordinated with cast and crew, went to a standard pattern. Dim
lights, add music, move scenery & props, off with music, off with lights,
cast arrives in darkness. From the audience view I wish the music had
just continued until all the cast were in place and lights came up. This
would have made the change seem quicker and smoother. Less obvious.
I would also suggest that for any future Pantomime more thought is given
to the first appearance of the Dame. He did seem to have some nerves on
his entrance and had to share the space with two of his daughters. This
meant that every time he moved across the acting area the two ladies
had also to move to another space and it all looked slightly messy.
I always suggest that it is important for the Dame to strike up a
relationship with the audience by having some “me too” time with them.
The stage initaily should be only for the Dame and her “family” history. In
this way some trust is made with the audience and the “greetings”
response with be much quicker and louder. This also enables the audience
to think that they have a connection with the show. Even if there is not
some spare dialogue already in the script then the Director has the
chance to add a few words for the Dame to own. She needs the audience
to feel that she has taken them into her confidence and they feel involved
with the character. I know that this action always works and establishes a
strong and adored Dame – and usually a Dame that can then get away
with murder!
My Sincere Thanks to MMAD for another great enjoyable show. I know the
next presentation will be totally different but I cannot wait to come down

and visit again.
Bob Allen

NODA South West District 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative

attending and only reflects the performance seen.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.