"Beauty and the Beast" Revamps Classic Tale with Spine-Tingling Fun
In this imaginative reworking of the 18th-century fable, playwright Lewis Hetherington has successfully blended humor and fear to create a spine-tinglingly creepy family show that will leave audiences in stitches. By cleverly toning down the darker undertones of the original story, Hetherington allows for an unapologetic dose of laughter amidst the eerie atmosphere.
The production boasts a talented cast, with standout performances from Tyler Collins as Baron Aaron, the comedic goldmine of the piece, and Israela Efomi as Beauty, whose elegance belies her inner steel. The chemistry between Collins' lovable but delusional baron and Efomi's poised beauty is undeniable, making their romance all the more believable.
The supporting cast, including Holly Howden Gilchrist as Bright, the inventive sister with a heart of gold, and Michael Guest and Martin Donaghy as the adorable cat and dog duo falling in love, add to the play's lighthearted charm. Even the usually stoic Mrs Flobberlyboo (Elicia Daly) gets in on the fun, showcasing her modernist singing skills with unexpected flair.
The set design by Rachael Canning is a work of art, transporting the audience into a dreamlike world of shifting staircases and mysterious passageways. Lizzie Powell's lighting creates an ominous atmosphere, heightening the sense of unease as Mrs Flobberlyboo reveals her sinister intentions.
Dominic Hill and Joanna Bowman's staging masterfully balances the tone, bringing both humor and tension to the forefront. As the Beast (Nicholas Marshall) evolves from a shadowy figure to a charming prince, his transformation is both believable and heartwarming.
Ultimately, "Beauty and the Beast" is a nourishing tale of acceptance that will delight audiences of all ages. With its unique blend of wit, urgency, and spine-tingling suspense, this production is a must-see for families and fans of the classic fable alike.
In this imaginative reworking of the 18th-century fable, playwright Lewis Hetherington has successfully blended humor and fear to create a spine-tinglingly creepy family show that will leave audiences in stitches. By cleverly toning down the darker undertones of the original story, Hetherington allows for an unapologetic dose of laughter amidst the eerie atmosphere.
The production boasts a talented cast, with standout performances from Tyler Collins as Baron Aaron, the comedic goldmine of the piece, and Israela Efomi as Beauty, whose elegance belies her inner steel. The chemistry between Collins' lovable but delusional baron and Efomi's poised beauty is undeniable, making their romance all the more believable.
The supporting cast, including Holly Howden Gilchrist as Bright, the inventive sister with a heart of gold, and Michael Guest and Martin Donaghy as the adorable cat and dog duo falling in love, add to the play's lighthearted charm. Even the usually stoic Mrs Flobberlyboo (Elicia Daly) gets in on the fun, showcasing her modernist singing skills with unexpected flair.
The set design by Rachael Canning is a work of art, transporting the audience into a dreamlike world of shifting staircases and mysterious passageways. Lizzie Powell's lighting creates an ominous atmosphere, heightening the sense of unease as Mrs Flobberlyboo reveals her sinister intentions.
Dominic Hill and Joanna Bowman's staging masterfully balances the tone, bringing both humor and tension to the forefront. As the Beast (Nicholas Marshall) evolves from a shadowy figure to a charming prince, his transformation is both believable and heartwarming.
Ultimately, "Beauty and the Beast" is a nourishing tale of acceptance that will delight audiences of all ages. With its unique blend of wit, urgency, and spine-tingling suspense, this production is a must-see for families and fans of the classic fable alike.