When this musical was first performed on Broadway almost 30 years ago, nobody could have imagined back then how it would change the industry forever, opening the door to so many more film adaptations that fans now know and love. It has now been revived and reproduced and before heading down to the London Palladium in for the summer, it’s here at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until June 4.
You know when you go to a Disney production, you are going to be captivated for the whole evening. They don’t pull any punches, they have a big budget and the stage is always filled with colours, special effects and even performers.
This show certainly understood the assignment – after being introduced to the Beast’s origin story, the audience is suddenly transported to the town we all know and love, full of baguettes, books and of course, Belle.
Tom Senior, playing Gaston, returns to his hometown and its safe to say that the only thing bigger than his muscles are his vocals.
What I love about this production is that the audience can connect with absolutely ever performer on the stage. The ensemble are offered various opportunities throughout to show off both their voices and their dancing, whilst the castle’s servants are as important as the principal characters. Lumiere, portrayed by seasoned pro Gavin Lee, is clearly the audience’s favourite supporting actor as he captures the comedy of the role perfectly, whilst Cogsworth (Nigel Richards) and Mrs Potts (Sam Bailey) deserve a special mention. Chip (Rojae Simpson) is as integral to the show as his adult counterparts, more than rising to the occasion.
But it is of course the two headlines acts who steal the show. Courtney Stapleton, playing Belle, may not have a CV as extensive as her fellow performers, but she absolutely owns the stage every time she walks on it and her voice fills the auditorium – you can hear a pin drop when she sings. Shaq Taylor, the Beast, absolutely plays his role to perfection and his rendition of “If I Can’t Love Her” still gives me goosebumps now (see it here – clickable link https://youtu.be/yLjY3kYD35M)
If there was to be any criticism of this amazing show, it would be that sometimes the special effects of the show feel a little out of place. Clearly with so many incredible tools in their arsenal, it must be difficult for the producers to resist using them, though there were moments where the flashes of light and visuals just felt a little bit shoehorned.
That being said, this is an absolutely incredible show – I won’t ruin the ending for you all because you will see it for yourself, but there is just one word to describe it, and its exactly the word that comes to mind whenever Disney are involved – magical. Simply magical.
It’s a tale as old as time so you definitely know the story, but you don’t know it like this! Tickets available now until June 4.
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