29th April 2025
Into the Woods
Bridlington Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, Bridlington Spotlight Theatre
Beauty and the Beast
Author: Christine Castle
Information
- Date
- 19th January 2017
- Society
- Leeds Insurance Dramatic & Operatic Society (LIDOS)
- Venue
- Carriageworks Theatre
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Shirley Hoyland
- Musical Director
- Craig Cockerill
- Choreographer
- Donna Wells and Emma Tempest
Once again, LIDOS have given audiences at the Carriageworks an excellent pantomime, 'Beauty and the Beast', as their seasonal production. Here we had a modern take on a well-loved fairy-tale which delighted patrons young and old. The show opened with a sweet Belle tending her roses, with the Good Fairy, Flora, trying to protect her from the evil Belladonna. After a spirited opening number, we were instantly transported across the Channel to a village, 'somewhere in France'. All the principals were very well cast, each playing their roles with clarity, strong vocals and 'OTT' acting - a joy! Both the adult and junior chorus also worked very well. The writer had included some great witticisms, not lost on an enthusiastic audience!
The production was in the hands of Director, Shirley Hoyland, her production techniques honed from many years of theatrical experience. I must congratulate her on steering her talented cast through the performance, every word heard and well-staged. The Musical Director, Craig Cockerill, had introduced modern songs, along with some old favourites, and rehearsed his cast very well - He and his drummer, Rodney Ankrah, kept up the pace very well. Choreographers, Donna Wells and Emma Tempest, provided their usual top-notch staging and dance moves.
The Technical team headed by Paul Harding, Stage Manager and assisted by Gill Mullins, worked very well in the overall 'look' of the production, especially the Beast transformation, well done, lighting and sound - The sets and cloths were fresh and pleasant to look at - the costumes, by Elaine Jackson and Carolyn Craven, were beautiful (and matching shoes!!), props, by Jill, Gilly and Ann, well sourced. In fact, the whole production was a credit to everyone involved. I heard from Adrian Marshall (Chair), that seasonal viruses amongst the cast had hit the beginning of the run, but, as always, 'the show must go on' with Choreographer, Emma, stepping in for one of the principals. With team effort and lots of luck, they pulled it off!
Congratulations to everyone - 'au revoir' until the next time!
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