Beauty and the Beast

On a wet and windy night, what a treat it was to be welcomed into a packed audience for the latest pantomime from CCC. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ does not naturally fit well into the guise of a pantomime, mainly as it has become extremely well known as a Disney musical in its own right. This means finding a story and songs that don’t infringe the Disney copyright is difficult. This re-written script by Ben Crocker hit exactly the right note as did the chosen songs... quite literally the right notes!

The story does not lend itself to the many of the traditional pantomime elements e.g. slapstick, ‘it’s behind you’ audience participation, children on stage and the song sheet. But CCC had cleverly woven many of these elements (and more) into the tale. This cast were enjoying themselves it was full of fun and pathos, colour and darkness (from the beast) and was consequently a delight for the audience.

The scenery was clever, appropriate and painted well, but why oh why did you have removable ends to the flats...these caused delay and difficulty when reattaching( perhaps they could have been double hinged and then folded back and forth as necessary.) The costumes were very good and colourful. Imagination had been used to create a human table, a chest, a rug and the ‘toys’ were delightful (a lovely clockwork doll ballet, very impressive). Lighting was effective and special effects spot on. I particularly like the spots on stage facing outwards, the beams of light created excellent atmosphere and the ‘blinders’ worked well for the transformation of the beast back to the prince. The music from the band led by MD Grahame Osborn was very good but far too loud, was it really necessary to amp the instrumentalists? As a consequence the sound engineer had to up the sound levels for the cast to be heard and although they were never overpowered by the band, everything was too loud!

The whole cast worked hard and achieved really good entertainment, the company was enthusiastic and the singing was the best I have heard from this enthusiastic club. The directors had chosen many and varied songs, outstanding among them were...’Good Morning Sunshine’, ‘We’re in the Money’ and ‘End of the Road’ (lovely arrangement) ‘Seize the Day’ and the finale numbers. The choreographers used the available dancing talent carefully and consequently  the dance was  well designed and enjoyable, ‘We’re in the Money’ with clever use of the coins was very good.

The new directors Amy Vinson and Jess Stock have scored a real hit with their first pantomime. They presented innovative ideas within this challenging story, good groupings and a great pace keeping everything slick and moving along (apart from some long set changes because of the side panels on the flats). I look forward to seeing more productions from this team in the future.

This was a talented cast with no weak links and I really enjoyed all the performances. It is difficult to highlight some and not all as everyone was entertaining, but I really must congratulate Claire Bassett on her portrayal of Felix the large French poodle. She had an excellent rapport with the audience and remained in character throughout; when she was funny we laughed and shouted with her, when she was sad we ahhhhhhhed, she was also very musical and her French accent was a delight... very well done. Beauty played by Elaine Summers hit all the right notes literally, she looked good, she sang well and we loved her.  Brian Tyrrell as Ma had the most difficult  role to play, he was not a dame in the conventional sense, but was the glue that held the whole pantomime together, well done Brian, not an easy role but you did exceptionally well as a dour, droll but lovable Ma!. ‘Jacques’ and ‘Capucine’ were both talented performers who added interest and musicality to the show, and The Beast and Malabelle the witch both demonstrated excellent comic timing and stage presence. I loved Malabelle’s line ‘I love my ‘boos’ and her transformation to a poodle was very funny. A final mention to the Talking Clock... well done for your entertaining cameo performance.

Very well done Clevedon Comedy Theatre Club it was a most entertaining and enjoyable show....we had a great time. Now follow that!

Thank you or inviting me to report on the show, I had great pleasure in presenting Val Vella with her 35 year bar to her long service medal. Keep up the good work Val.

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