| Humour, wit and emotion with a moral message |
Beauty and the Beast |
| on tour , New Theatre Cardiff , July 9, 2007 |
There are some things in life which just make you feel good, like cold, crisp winter mornings, rolling green countryside and mashed potato. These things, like many other cultural traditions create a sense of warmth and nostalgia that draw us back from the pit of despair that can be everyday life and remind us it’s not all that bad. Since their creation Disney films have been a form of escapism that young and old find comfort in. More recently producers have taken these fairy tale stories and brought them to the stage in musical glory, and at times there is nothing better than being enclosed in the decorative four walls of theatre land with a magical tale to distract your mind and warm your heart. Beauty and the Beast is a show for children, that is clear by the hoards of fancy dressed little ones bouncing around me, but it is gracious enough to comfortably allow adults to trespass into its world without feeling unwelcome. Unlike a lot of musicals that have plots as thin as parchment paper this show carries its audience convincingly through a magical tale and allows the more mature audience member to enjoy the special effects and imagination. There is humour, wit and emotion in this stage adaptation of the Oscar nominated animation and of course the underlying moral message found in most fairy tales. Charles Camm has designed a fantastic set that is manipulated smoothly and effectively to transport the audience to various locations including the giant, imposing and frightful Beasts castle. The costumes, designed by Elizabeth Dennis are superb and totally convincing, nothing has been lost in their move from the West End as humans become candlesticks, wardrobes and plates with visual radiance. The transformation scene is outstanding as the beast spins frantically into a more pleasant vision of a man. It is inevitable that certain aspects of the shows ‘’wow factor’’ will be lost on tour but this production maintains that wonderment with fireworks, imagery and strobe lighting. Ashley Oliver fits into Belle’s shoes perfectly both physically and vocally. Her slight frame is a sharp contrast to the monstrous beast and the towering Gaston. With an excellent and accurate voice and a certain air of innocence and charm Oliver is a first class Beauty. Matthew Cammelle Is convincing but not overwhelming as the beast with a heart. He gives a thorough and rounded performance and portrays the brief hints of humility within the Beasts brutish façade with a surprising sense of comic timing. The bubbly ‘’Be My Guest’’ is the highlight of the production with Ben Stock as Lumiere and Susan Humphris as Mrs Potts fulfilling all expectations of their warming and charming characterisations. Ben Harlow is brilliant as the cartoon book Gaston, although his singing could be improved his ham acting and plastic six pack are a hit with the audience. Beauty and the Beast has its place on the theatrical shelf just like many other musicals. Thankfully it has maintained its charm and reserved its allure, attracting only those who want to see it for what it is. It was wonderful to see the New Theatre back to its best with a busy, bustling audience filling their grand auditorium. However, if you are opposed to rustling sweet wrappers and excitable, noisy children avoid at all costs. Fidgeting aside this production this is a must for children young and old. |
Reviewed by: Amy Stackhouse |
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