Disney Beauty and the Beast

As soon as I entered the theatre on opening night I could feel the excitement and expectation starting to build from a very good first night audience. As the overture started you instantly knew that this show was going to be good.

A fast moving production that placed great demands on the society, how they rose to the challenge. From the beginning the vitality and exuberance of the cast was evident, everyone giving their all in whatever role they were playing. I must admit I was very impressed, it contained all the elements of true theatre, great sets, outstanding and outrageous costumes with versatile principles.

Belle played by Hannah Morris was just right, she acted and sang beautifully. Dressed in her ball gown she looked like a little girl’s dream of a fairy princess. Peter Thompson as the Beast was excellent, and showed great sincerity, I thought his singing of ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ was one of the highlights and I was pleased to hear that he has made a good recovery from illness. I must say a very big thank you to Martin Craig from Barrow who understudied Beast, and gave a great performance as Beast on the Wednesday evening.

Gaston the Elvis look a like who didn’t get his girl was masterful, domineering and totally arrogant. John Beamer made this part his own, he was perfect, well done! I just loved Mrs Potts, Madame De La Grande Bouch, Cogsworth and Lumiere played by Sally Featon, Irene Melling, Duncan Ryan and Andy Whittle. These four were absolutely delightful and made every line of dialogue come to life. Also I thought that Ross Dorrington as Chip in the tea trolley made quite an impact, my young grandson thought it was magic. Anna Webster bubbled as the vivacious Babette. I particularly enjoyed Karl Roe’s performance as Lefou. Every principle from the narrator and the enchantress to the smallest of parts gave their all, special mention to Ray Jenkinson whose facial expressions were superb, also not forgetting the ‘Silly Girls’. Well done all of you.

Musically I very much enjoyed ‘The Tavern’, it reminded me of ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’ from Oliver, but the most spectacular was ‘Be Our Guest’ with everyone dressed as knives, forks, cups, saucers, plates and condiments, all coming to life and dancing a smashing routine. The choreography was a pleasure to watch and how good the wolves were and all the young people involved.

This was a very good production with good use of the whole stage, what a difference the extension made, without that the stage would have been very crowded. The scenery was used to good effect. I know only too well, just how much hard work and dedication it takes to put on such a show of this calibre, no easy feet, but the discipline was there for all to see. An excellent orchestra with also good sound, lighting and effects, also well done to props and all stage crew not forgetting front of house. Thank you.

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