Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr

Vale Royal Youth Theatre were back with their recent production of ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr’, which was directed by Jan Bason. The set was good, with different areas to draw the attention of the audience to. The West Wing was located downstage right, with the enchanted rose on display throughout the production. Downstage left was the Beast’s armchair. There was good use of projections used, which helped ensure that scene changes were quick, allowing for a pacier production. The images used were good, transporting the audience to the cartoon world of the original Disney film. There were a number of lanterns on the floor, which helped create atmosphere during the production. The pace of the production was generally good, with the cast being well drilled in their entrances and exits. The cast looked confident, especially performing in a new space. The transformation from the Beast to the Prince was done well. Costumes were very good throughout. The enchanted characters looked very good, and were a good representation of their object. Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown was stunning.

Catherine Fisher was the vocal coach for this production. It was great to see Catherine direct the cast through the production from the front of the stage. The cast did well with the music, performing to backing tracks.

Jack Rawlinson and Catherine Fisher were the choreographers for this production. The choreography was basic throughout, which the cast performed well. The choreography during ‘Gaston’ was well executed with the tankards.

The technical elements were good throughout. There was a good balance between the music and the cast who wore mics. The two standing mics at the front of the stage helped with some of the narration, especially as it was underscored. The projections were cued on time throughout the production. The lighting throughout was good.

Isabella Whitehead played Belle. This was a sweet performance from Isabella in this iconic role. She delivered the songs well, and was able to show different sides of the character confidently. She worked well with Will.

Will McDonald played the Beast. Will had great presence using his voice and physicality, which suited the character well. There could have been a greater change in character, but Will did well in the softer moments of the character.

Jack Rawlinson played Gaston. It is difficult to portray a nasty character, and Jack did well in his portrayal. He was suitably cocky and self-assured, and displayed pleasing vocals. Annabell McDonald did well as Lafou. Although tentative with her lines, she worked well with Jack.

Mia Taylor-Hole played Mrs Potts. Mia showed a maturity beyond her years in this role, showing a nurturing nature to the character. Her vocals were good, especially in the title number. George McDonald was suitably cheeky as Chip. There was a nice relationship built between Mia and George.

Joey Crowder did very well as Lumiere. He sustained the French accent throughout and performed his numbers well. Joey displayed a great sense of comedy, and played the comedic moments very well.

Lia Proudman played Babette. Lia was suitably flirtatious in the role, as she glided around the stage. This was a secure performance from Lia.

Kayden Hayes played Cogsworth. This was a nice performance from Kayden, who gave an uptight yet comical portrayal, which was perfect for the character of Cogsworth.

Olive Cook played Madam De La Grande Bouche. Olive worked well with the rest of the enchanted objects. Her vocals were pleasing.

The Narrators (Keeva Cosgrove, Logan Gormley, George Bancroft and Daisy Martin) did well telling the story and transporting the audience throughout the production. You were able to engage the audience straight away.

The ensemble played lots of different roles throughout. Well done for remembering what you were meant to be doing throughout the production. Keep the energy up throughout the production. Well done to those who stood in for different characters due to illness.

Overall, this was an enjoyable performance. The staging was good, there were some lovely characterisations throughout, and it was nice to see a full and appreciative audience.

A big thank you to everyone at Vale Royal Youth Theatre for their kind invite.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.