Beauty and the Beast

The story was about the beautiful princess given everything by her father and The Beast who was, in this, case a slug.  The princess wanted a rose from her father.  All she had tried to grow had failed.  Her father had gone in search and, after falling weak from losing his horse, fell into a magical garden.

The garden was looked after by the Master (the Beast or, in this case, the slug). Her father, who had been well looked after in the garden, picked a rose to take back to his daughter but the slug demanded a forfeit from the princess’s father. The forfeit was that his daughter should go and live with the slug.  At first the princess did not like the slug and wanted to go home to her father but eventually, seeing the slug’s broken heart when he agreed to let her go back, she realized she did love the slug.  When she kissed the slug he turned back into the handsome prince he had once been.

The whole show was well presented with eighteen young people telling the story through the medium of everyone being a flower or shrub apart from the main characters.

It was appreciated to be able to hear every word from all the young actors and actresses on stage and to see the cast enjoying themselves.  Particular mention should go to one or two who showed real quality in their acting.  Ben Miller, who played the part of the Merchant, was always audible and had good diction and, again, clearly thoroughly enjoyed being on the stage.  The four willing hands also took my eye with good expression and timely entrances.  I think probably though that the very young lady who played the fourth willing hand, Marianne Campbell, took most people’s attention with her smile and remembering her lines.  Also the parts of Grace and Melody were well played by Evie Ellerby and Isobel Rutter and they fitted and worked well together with good expression.

It was an enjoyable night watching and my complete admiration goes to Helen Davison for her ability to organize and enthuse these young actors and actresses on stage. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.