Beauty and the Beast

On yet another scorching hot evening, I attended the Conquest Theatre to watch Beauty and the Beast performed by One Vision School of Arts. As I walked into the foyer it was like walking into an oven, but the heat was quickly forgotten as the buzz and excitement from the many helpers and fellow audience gathered in anticipation of this classic fairytale brought to life by an extremely talented cast.

This production of Beauty and the Beast was presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Drawing on Disney’s much-loved film, it brought the familiar story to the stage while preserving its warmth and charm.

As I collected my tickets, I was given a lovely gift with a special message attached which contained a book from Belle’s library and some goodies to help me relax when I read it. So thoughtfully put together, as were the many prizes on the raffle table. All of them related to the show and beautifully wrapped making them look extra special. My sister was delighted with her parcels…

Although the principal roles remained unchanged throughout the run, Friday’s performance featured one half of the ensemble. Judging by their polished work, I am confident the alternate cast was equally accomplished.

The costumes made the characters instantly recognisable and remained faithful to the original. Although this was predominantly a youth production, with the youngest performer just six years old, the older cast members brought the maturity their roles required. Belle and Maurice’s interaction felt so natural that I assumed they must have been related. And on reading the programme properly, I gather that they are.

The set, though relatively simple, worked very well. The back projection, of which I am becoming a real fan, featured beautifully adapted graphics that brought each scene to life, while the clever lighting enhanced the effect creatively and effectively.

From the moment Annie Grainger stepped onto the stage, she fully embodied Belle. Her poised, engaging characterisation was excellent, and her beautiful singing added even more to the performance. Her performance stayed expressive throughout, and her scenes with the Beast carried genuine emotion and conviction. Their duet ‘Something There’ was delightful. Annie and Ryan worked beautifully together, making their characters’ connection feel natural and elevating both performances. My highlight was Annie’s rendition of “A Change in Me”; she sang it with such heart and soul that it felt incredibly powerful.

Ryan Dorn must have been incredibly warm in the Beast costume, but he wore it with aplomb. His portrayal was highly effective, balancing just the right level of menace with moments of self-recrimination. I also enjoyed his interactions with Cogsworth and Lumiere, which brought out the comedy that gives this show so much of its charm.

Bethany Griffiths was fabulous as Cogsworth, delivering a wonderfully funny performance. James Crow defined Lumiere with precision, and his flirtatious exchanges with Libby Coleman’s spirited and vivacious Babette were hilarious. The trio worked together beautifully and were a joy to watch.

Lara Sheppard simply was Mrs Potts. Her warm, kindly characterisation and lovely rendition of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ gave me tingles. Lara also choreographed the production, an impressive achievement with such a large cast, and the results were faultless. I particularly enjoyed the big ensemble numbers, and the drinking-mug routine was clearly very well-rehearsed, though I did wonder how many bruises were earned before it was perfected. Isla Hughes brought just the right spirit to Chip and looked as though she enjoyed every moment of being wheeled on and off the stage.

Beatrice Barnard Oudot was delightfully theatrical as Madame Bouche, and her impressive top notes on entrance immediately stood out. Her harmonies with Mrs Potts, Chip, Cogsworth, Lumiere and Babette were equally beautiful, adding emotional weight to “Human Again”.

Zach Pritchard and Jack Bird brought attitude, enthusiasm and boundless energy to Gaston and Lefou. Zach captured Gaston’s arrogance and sense of entitlement perfectly, with the lovely Les Filles hanging on his every word. His rich vocal tone was a delightful surprise in his opening number. Jack was ideal as Lefou, the dim but loyal friend, and his strong, commanding singing voice helped make “Gaston” a real highlight.

The fight scene between Gaston and the Beast was well choreographed, using movement across the stage to strong effect.

The ensemble numbers stole my heart, with “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston” standing out in particular. My eyes were especially drawn to the younger cast members, who knew every word and were clearly having the time of their lives.

The final transformation scene was cleverly staged, with excellent lighting leading beautifully into a finale that felt warm and uplifting, sending the audience home with a real feel-good glow.

This was a joyful production; thank you to One Vision for your hospitality and for such a talented performance of Beauty and the Beast.

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