Disney Beauty and the Beast Musical

Review of Disney Beauty and the Beast Musical by Central Musical Theatre Company

This Beauty and the Beast musical was a magical production that captivated audiences from beginning to end. The set design was absolutely stunning, featuring lavish and intricate details that fully immersed the audience in the enchanting world of the castle and its surrounding village. The use of the stairs and balcony throughout the show added a sense of grandeur. The vibrant, richly coloured backdrops provided a refreshing contrast to the often-utilised projections used in modern productions, adding to the visual experience.

Georgie Pegg, played Belle, she was the essence of a Disney Princess. She perfectly captured Belle’s kind, intelligent, and independent nature, and her beautiful singing voice was a true highlight of the show. Her performance was both heartwarming and inspiring, and she truly brought the character to life. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly with the Beast, were a joy to watch, as their love blossomed throughout the production. Her rendition of "Home" was particularly beautiful, showcasing her vocal talent and emotional range.

Dominic Primrose’s portrayal of The Beast was equally impressive. His physicality was spot on, and the transformation from a gruff, misunderstood figure to a more tender character was compelling. His costume was fantastic and added to the character’s intimidating presence. One of the standout moments was his powerful rendition of If I Can’t Love Her at the end of Act One, which left a lasting impression on the audience.

Jonathan Banks, playing the villain Gaston, commanding the stage with his charismatic performance. He fully embraced the arrogance and charm of this character, providing a sharp contrast to the Beast. His chemistry with his sidekick Le Fou, played by Tim Hand was fantastic, with the duo delivering many of the show's funniest and most entertaining moments. Redford’s portrayal of Le Fou was hilariously over-the-top, bringing humour and lightness to the story.

Jonathan Penton as Lumière and Adrian Redfern as Cogsworth brought the castle’s magic to life with their vibrant performances. Their comedic partnership was charming, with their contrasting personalities playing off each other brilliantly. Lynn Towle, in the role of Mrs. Potts, brought a warm, nurturing energy to the character, and her rendition of Beauty and the Beast was beautiful. The role of Chip was shared by two talented young actors, Maximilian Lee and Noah Simper, who brought youthful energy and added a sense of joy and wonder to the show.

Lorna Kirkland played Babette with charm, while Kathryn Fitchett brought a larger-than-life personality to Madame de la Grande Bouche. Alan Lowe’s performance as Maurice, Belle’s father, was heartfelt. His interactions with Belle were tender and brought a genuine sense of warmth and care to the character. Les Filles de la Ville, played by Laura Hutsby, Hope Lo Monaco, and Rachel Redfern perfectly captured the playful silliness of their characters, swooning over Gaston with infectious humour and charm.

The ensemble delivered beautiful harmonies and glowing performances in all the musical numbers.

The direction by Nigel Taylor was excellent, with each scene flowing seamlessly and every character's journey fully realised. David Blackwell’s musical direction was outstanding, ensuring the score was executed flawlessly, with rich harmonies and a live orchestra that elevated the entire production. Lauren Litherland’s choreography was great, with a dedicated dance ensemble, and Be Our Guest was a particular highlight.

The technical aspects of the production were equally impressive, with seamless scene changes by Stage Manager Chris Margett and his team and dynamic lighting design by Stephen Greatorex that highlighted the magical elements of the story. The costumes, hired from Leos Costume Hire, were outstanding, adding to the show’s overall visual appeal. The sound design by Harry Greatorex ensured that every note of the music and every line of dialogue could be heard clearly.

A special mention should be made of the inclusive performance, with Natasha Redfern providing British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the show. This thoughtful touch added an extra layer of inclusivity to the production, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The performance of Beauty and the Beast was a magical experience from start to finish, filled with captivating performances, stunning visuals, and unforgettable musical numbers. The cast's chemistry, combined with the beautiful set design, excellent direction, and exceptional musical accompaniment, made for a truly memorable evening.

 

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