BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Beauty and the Beast does perhaps present more problems for the production team than most other pantomimes but this very experienced society took them all in their stride as usual. The cast in all roles was very strong considering there were fourteen parts to fill. The Beauty Belle (Demi-Leigh Hughes) was a most acomplished actress and also displayed a very fine and tuneful singing voice, she was well matched with the Beast (David Hookham) who acted the role well and treated us to two superb vocal solos. Ermengarde and Esmerelda (Amanda Lovell & Alison Knox) two ugly sister type parts were most suitably 'loud and tasteless' and a fine contrast to Belle. Alphonse Belles father (David Marsh) was somewhat downtrodden by the sisters and was in great fear of the Beast. Madame Fifi the Dame (Eric Arundell) was as impressive as ever with great timing and wonderful costumes and was well supported by Jacques Fifi's comical lazy son (John Marsh). Belladonna (Joanne Sykes) was a very confident evil sorceress, most impressive, as was Gustave (Vinnie Empsall) as he majestically strolled the stage. Marcel & Monique (Adam Lovell & Phillipa Mayhew) carried the beautician scene with great aplomb I was most impressed by these two. Prince Danton (Sarah Day), Madame Le Fou (Jeannette Morgan) and Fora (Chloe Knox) completed this very strong cast. Special mention for the great props. The dancing and chorus numbers were well organised and sung and the costumes outstanding as always.  

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