Beauty and the Beast

This year the YMCA selected a John Morley Pantomime, his version of "Beauty and the Beast" was ideal vechicle for this society, with lots more comedy roles than usual.  The audience entered into the spirt of this Pantomime completely with screams and shouts ringing from the rafters.  With three teams of dancers, forming the chorus with lots of modern movement to modern music.

Karen Rise made a compentent Beauty in the title role and was well matched by her Prince Valentine/the Beast (Calum Davidson).  The first act set the scene, introducing the different characters, we had the Fairy Rose, (Jean Whitwam) and Countess Cruella, (Amanda Gatehouse) the villian everyone loved to hate, and deserved every hiss and boo that came her way.

The pantomime evolved its story line at the end of the first act, when the Prince's transformation took place as he changed into the Beast.  When the change over became complete he turned nasty giving a commendable performance and developed a good rapport with the audience.  "Flash Lighting" the horse, danced and wiggled his rear end beautifully, and was loved by all.

Excellent scenery, with roses that bloomed and withered along with the story line, but of course in true pantomime fashion all ended well, as the beast lay dying, Beauty kissed him and turned back into her Prince.

A sparking finale, and as always, the cast finished their pantomime singing "The Sunshine of your Smile".  Well done everyone.   

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