Disney's Beauty and the Beast

It was a pleasure, as always, to be invited to Ditcham Park School’s annual musical production – this year Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I know from previous years what amazing standards the students can reach and this year was definitely not a disappointment.

The impressive stage was framed by professional lighting rigs, looking like we were about to see a pop concert. The scenery consisted of well painted triangular flats that could be turned simply to change the scene. Excellent quality props were used as required, very efficiently brought on and off by the stage crew. I was particularly impressed by the bookshop cart and Mrs Potts’ trolley. A massive 25-piece orchestra of students, staff and friends, including MD Ed Williamson, were placed behind a gauze at the rear of the stage and created a beautiful sound. The balance was well managed and they didn’t overwhelm the singers. The sound quality (Peter Hall) too was excellent and we heard every word. The imaginative and moody lighting was operated by Thomas Jay, who co-designed it with Ian Pratt. Costumes (Olivia Bicknell), especially for the girls, looked magnificent and Belle’s yellow dress was a triumph.

“Belle” is always a great number for the start of a show. It was lively, full of interest and action and allowed Bethan Moyler (the Belle I saw) to demonstrate her strong voice, confidence and sunny disposition. Unfortunately, there were sound problems during this number, but to everyone’s credit, you carried on regardless – true professionals! Harrison Whittle as the Beast was a good contrast, glowering and impatient at first but eventually showing us a shy and gentle side to his character. His singing too was charming. Charlie Ralfe and Arabella Huxham made a great comic duo as the ever-bickering Cogsworth and Lumiere, and Connie Taylor was perfect as Babette – really feisty. Laila-Rose Berry made Mrs Potts a warm and motherly character and her song “Tale as Old as Time” was sung beautifully. Hattie Houlton was a nicely perky Chip. Aidan Busuttil played Gaston to the hilt, arrogant, pompous and determined, but rather dim-witted. He showed great confidence on stage and good singing ability. He was well matched by Ben Hawkins as the long-suffering but chirpy Lefou, an equally good singer and actor.

I’m sorry I can’t mention everyone individually: the entire cast deserves huge praise. You all sang and moved beautifully, interpreting the choreography well, your diction was great, and everything you did was full of energy.  You all looked as though you were having a great time – that really comes across to the audience and helps us enjoy it too. I must praise the backstage crew – you all worked tirelessly to ensure that the show kept moving swiftly along and that everything ran without a hitch. I’m so glad you were given a bow at the end – no other company I know does that, and it was well deserved.

Another production of which Ditcham Park School can be mightily proud. Throughout the top-quality programme you make many references to this being a team effort, and it truly was. It takes a huge team of people working together to bring off a production of this standard. Well done everyone!

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