Beauty and the Beast JR

Beauty and the Beast JR is a charming piece, although I always feel it is difficult to get the feel of the full story, with the shortened version.

The side and front flats were nicely designed and painted, showing the village and forest, with the screen at the back of the stage showing lovely projections for each scene, allowing a seamless progression through the piece, with a number of short scenes with very quick scene changes, which were well-accomplished.

Musically good, the ‘household’ characters especially showed a good understanding of their characters and were musically aware, with some lovely harmonies.  The ‘Home’ reprise was lovely, and Be My Guest very lively.  The Mob Song was very atmospheric, and Human Again showed nice harmonies.

Choreography was suitable for the varying abilities, I would perhaps have liked to see more random placings in crowd numbers, but nothing that grated.  The ‘mug’ routine was well-executed.

Unfortunately one of the Narrators although holding a mic did not have it on in at least two places – not sure whether it was tech or user error – but should not have happened.  Good sound balance between stage and tracks – I heard every word. 

Costumes were very colourful and suitable, I liked that most of the ensemble had an individual character, which gave interest to the production.  I liked the little touches, such as the Village Girls had eye make-up that matched their costume colour – it’s small things that enhance the look of a production.  Belle’s yellow dress was beautiful.

Abigail Hughes (Belle) gave the part a certain innocence, and she sang very nicely – well done.

Cally Fletcher (the Beast) was angry and showed a good transition to more understanding character – nicely achieved.

Ela Gozen (Gaston) got the manliness, vanity and arrogance of the part well, with Zac Daly (Lefou) providing comedy exchanges with Gaston and the villages – a good pairing.

The Village Girls were suitably giggly, lots of expression, which I enjoyed.

The ‘Household’ – Noah Ruby (Lumiere), Laurne Joslin (Cogsworth), Chloe Atkinson-Strong (Mrs Potts), Rita Witham-Holroyd (Babette), Sade Kirkland-Banton (Madam de la Grande Bouche) and Antigone Wakely (Chip) all brought excellent portrayals and confidence to their parts – plenty of expression and songs well sung.

The ensemble took on their parts well, and created some interesting characters.

My thanks to Young Thespians for their hospitality and the chance to meet some of the Creative team, for what was a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment – it certainly brightened up what was a dull, wet Friday evening!

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