At Louche Theatre |
| Louche Theatre-Beauty and the Beast , Aberystwyth , November 30, 2014 |
Beauty & the Beast by Mme Le Prince de Beaumont“A Beauty in more ways than one” Since being written in the late 18th Century there have been many versions of this enchanting, traditional fairy story. An Opera, several stage adaptations, pantomimes, a splendid 1940’s film, a 1990’s Disney film and a musical, to name but a few. Louche Theatre decided to give us the ‘stripped down’ original story, which enabled us to focus on the wonderful characters and powerful story as originally written. To add to this all the sound effects and original background music were produced and played live by Brian Swaddling on guitar, who also composed it, and Jojo Engelkamp on various percussion instruments, plus wine glasses!. A brave decision by the director, Harry Durnall, which really paid off. These talented musicians were in costume and down stage left, very near the audience. The story is about the Merchants youngest daughter, Rose, also known as Beauty and her request for a rose. Paula Gallagher , waif like and delicate with long red hair, looked perfect for the role, and she was. A very talented actor who fully understood the demands of the part and performed it with understanding and sincerity. Because of her loving father’s desire to bring her a requested rose in the middle of Winter,, she ends up in the castle of the Beast. Powerfully acted but with great sensitivity by Daz O’Connell. These two actors were consistently hypnotic to watch together, a fine example of perfect casting. Although loved by her father and brothers, Beauty’s sisters, Iris and Lily, can’t stand the sight of her. Money and man mad, Emma Sims and Tiffany Evans, both very fine and versatile actors, gave us some marvellous comic moments. I particularly enjoyed them fighting over Beauty’s gold. The quality of the acting by the company of thirteen, which included a great deal of mime, would be hard to fault. They were supported by the usual ‘quality squad’ of Louche’s production team. Props that were just right by Heather Giles, exciting lighting design by Stephen Griffiths, wonderful costumes by Caroline Clark, and beautifully creative direction by Harry Durnall , who also designed the unusual and interesting staging. One thing that was appreciated by myself and other audience members, was the perfect pace, always crisp but slow enough for us to have the chance to listen,watch and absorb a superb production of a wonderful story. If you missed Louche’s performances in Aberystwyth, there is one more chance to see it on Saturday 6th December, at their second home the Dragon Theatre, Barmouth. It really is well worth it. |
Reviewed by: Martin Williams |
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