NODA REVIEW - Joanne Rymer – NODA District 4
West Kirby Musical Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s musical Beauty and the Beast is a spellbinding triumph that breathes new life into the beloved tale as old as time.
The tale as narrated by Fiona Philpott: Arrogant Prince refused shelter to an old lady who is an enchantress in disguise, (Molly Saville) she then puts a curse on the Prince/Beast which can only be broken by true love. From the moment the curtain rises, the Gladstone audience is swept into a world of magic, romance, and adventure that holds a timeless appeal for all ages. The very talented cast delivers unforgettable performances, with each actor perfectly embodying their character, from Belle’s (Molly Skellon) curious spirit and compassionate heart to the Beast/ Prince (Christopher Steele) inner struggle and transformation.
We are introduced to the charming members of the castle's household, comedic duo Cogsworth (Michael Kennedy) and Lumiere (Nick Hawkswell), and the sweet Mrs Potts (Joanne Poston) her rendition of the title song Beauty & the Beast was splendid, and her little Chip (Daniel Ashton), the outrageously decedent Wardrobe, Madame de la Grande Bouche (Tia Gill) who has the most incredible operatic voice, Michelle, Dresser (Tia Owen) Babette (Libby Bentley-Jones) and Bababe (Danielle Vernon); through to villainous Gaston (Andy Walker) his loyal sidekick LeFou (Harry Cockrell) who gave an exceptional performance, totally as ease on stage, one to watch for the future. Gaston’s doting Silly Girls Amy Duggan and Julie Withe, and Monsieur D ‘Arque in the village, great fun.
The entrance of Maurice (Mike Ellis) Belle’s eccentric and loving father was very funny, however ‘No Matter What’ his song to his daughter was a highlight for me, so touching. All the beloved and not so loved characters from the 1991 animated film have I am pleased to say made it into the musical stage version
Director Sharon Henderson definitely had a vision, the musical’s production design is spectacular, with opulent costumes, enchanting set pieces, and seamless choreography that elevate every scene. Standout numbers like "Be Our Guest" bring the enchanted castle to life, blending vibrant choreography and stunning ensemble numbers that leave audiences dazzled. Praise must go to Debbie Clarke, Wallasey School of Ballet, her skill managing a full cast on what is not the biggest of stages was astonishing.
The live orchestra led by the extremely talented Mathew Mellor, adds depth and richness to Alan Menken’s iconic score, with lyrics from Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Many thanks to the multi-talented Victoria Wells who did an amazing job as the rehearsal Musical Director, working with Sharon and Debbie as well as the supporting cast of characters to bring the songs to life filling the theatre with the kind of magic that only Disney can create.
W.K.M.T.C have some amazing young talent coming through the ranks, Amelia Poston who played young Belle. Darcey Murdoch played the Young Prince. Sam Darker, Daisy Greenall, who played LeFou and Little Chip in alternative performances during the run, all looking good for the future.
However, it was the castle inhabitants that truly stole the show. The fantastic chemistry and comic banter between the flirtatious mischievous Lumiere and officious head of the household Cogsworth was an absolute joy to watch. The transformation back to humans was beautiful especially Mrs Potts reuniting with Chip who had previously asked his mother if he’d ever be a boy again. Their reunion, as humans, was especially poignant, Madame de la Grande Bouche receiving a spontaneous applause for her aria from an appreciative audience.
This production of Beauty and the Beast captures the essence of the original story. It’s an experience that’s as heart-warming as it is breath-taking, reminding us all of the power of love and acceptance. This musical is for anyone who believes in fairy tales!
Thank you for my invitation it was a very special evening of live theatre I will remember for a long time.
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NORTH WEST END REVIEW
Reviewer: Bev Clarke Reviewed: 6th November 2024
North West End UK Rating:
*****
West Kirby MTC always turn out an excellent, entertaining show and after recent successes with A Christmas Carol and Betty Blue Eyes, this year they take on the well-loved story of Beauty and the Beast. It was evident that a lot of hard work and dedication had gone into this production, and we all know how much fun it is for all the participants, especially the youngest, for some of whom it may be their first performance.
This ’Tale as old as Time’ is indeed a big challenge for director Sharon Henderson, as the show demands big sets, big costumes and big musical numbers and the Gladstone theatre is far from a big stage. Sensibly they have scaled down the scenery to include back projections and minimal pieces of set. In the main this worked well as the wonderful costumes really make their own set with Mrs. Potts’ trolley (complete with Chip) Cogsworth’s superb clock costume and Madame de la Grande Bouche as the wardrobe.
The nine-piece orchestra conducted by newcomer Matthew Mellor MD give a sweet, mellow and harmonious accompaniment to the very competent singers. Mellor brings a wealth of experience to the group after Rob Bowness’ retirement from his illustrious history with the company. Rob worked tirelessly over the years to achieve a high standard from both chorus and orchestra and it would now seem he has passed the baton on to another safe pair of hands. Mellor is supported by Victoria Wells (Rehearsal MD).
No doubt everyone knows the story of the prince who is put under a spell and turned into a Beast. His courtiers and servants are turned into furniture and household objects awaiting a beautiful girl to fall in love with the Beast and break the spell.
Belle (Molly Skellon) has a strong voice and looked the part well, achieving some emotional moments with both her father, the aimable Maurice (Mike Ellis) and with the Beast (Christopher Steele). Lumiere was played confidently by Nick Hawkswell, giving a good amount of energy despite the restriction of having two candlesticks for arms. He really found the character and as always, an excellent singer.
Cogsworth (Michael Kennedy) was a delightful old clock with his dithery fussing, having to manoeuvre himself on and off stage and Mrs. Potts (Joanne Poston) gave a charming character with a beautiful rendition of the song ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Little son Chip was a smiley face peeking out of an enormous cup played on this occasion by Daniel Ashton. Well done for keeping still all that time!
Other soloist from the palace staff Libbie Bentley Jones (Babette) and Danielle Vernon (Bababe) doubling up as the feather duster. Tia Owen as Michelle the dressing table and Tia Gill giving a wonderful operatic character of Madame. This main group supported each other well and were highly amusing.
The villagers were led by the self-important Gaston (Andy Walker) who threw his weight around and flirted with the silly girls while still professing his love for Belle. Lefou his sidekick, played on this occasion Harry Cockrell, was an absolute joy to watch. His physicality and commitment to the character made him the standout performance for me. I am sure bigger and better things await this young man. The Beast (Christopher Steele) looked suitably menacing but gave us a tender and heartfelt singing voice.
This was the first night and there were a few timing issues with props and set moving on and off which will slicken as the week proceeds. I did feel the weakest part of the show was the fight between The Beast and Gaston. The Mob rises up and their ‘hero’ arrives but without a chase and a bit of fight it all seemed a bit flat. It really needed to be choreographed with a bit of panache. It was a shame because the ending needed a dramatic crescendo.
The Wallasey School of Ballet choreographed by Deborah Clark added some lovely touches with dancing plates and especially the artistic reveal of the Prince at the end. The school have some fine principals. Their only male dancer Teo Bathily is an extremely beautiful dancer and will, I am sure, levitate to the professional stage but well done to all the young people for their efforts.
The supporting company gave some strong highlights to the big numbers like Be our Guest and Gaston but as I’ve said before, a larger stage would give the movement much more room to really show off everyone’ s talents. It is so difficult these days for amateur companies to afford large venues and of course a director wants to include the whole company.
In all this was an enthusiastic cast with some strong principals supported by good technical and backstage departments offering yet another entertaining musical for all the family.
The first night audience’s appreciation was obvious and as it runs until Saturday there’s still time to book your tickets. A lovely pre-Christmas treat!
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THEATRE PREVIEW Wirral Globe
WIRRAL: 'Beauty & The Beast - Broadway Musical' at Gladstone
29th October 2024 by Craig Manning - Chief Reporter
WEST Kirby Musical Theatre Company will bring 'a tale as old as time' to the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight next week. The group's production of Beauty & The Beast - The Broadway Musical is at the venue on Greendale Road in the village from next Wednesday to Saturday (November 6-9).
Featuring music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and dialogue by Linda Woolverton, it is the stage musical adaptation of Walt Disney’s 1991 animated film of the same name.
It was based on an 18th century French fairytale La Belle et la Bête by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, written by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve. It is believed these stories were influenced by even older tales from classical antiquity.
The story is described in the programme notes as 'a tale as old as time: an arrogant and self-centred prince refuses to allow an old lady to shelter in his castle, only to find out that she is actually an enchantress in disguise. She curses him for his cruelty by turning him into a monstrous beast and transforms his servants into castle objects.
'To break the curse, he must fall in love with someone, and that person must fall in love with him before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Enter Belle, a beautiful girl from the local village'.
The show includes 'wonderful, charming' characters like Lumiere and Mrs Potts and some 'more feisty and villainous village folk' like Gaston and Monsieur D’Arque.)The show is directed by Sharon Henderson, who told the Globe: "I've thoroughly enjoyed working on this show, it's a beautiful story and bringing Disney to the stage has been an absolute pleasure.
"As always, I have a bit of a vision that some people may or may not understand but I think it works. I've changed the opening, it's not quite as menacing as it used to be and it does actually make sense at the end when we have the transformation scene.
"The only changes I've made are artistic because, obviously, you can't mess around with the songs or the dialogue, but I've just put my own little throw on it.
"The cast are really up for it and this final week is when it all comes together."
Summing up the show's main elements, Sharon continued: "It's magical, Disney on stage and funny, hilariously funny. It's a comedy and we've got little touches; for example, I've developed Cogsworth's character, so he's got a lovely little movement motif which, hopefully, will make the audience laugh."
Victoria Wells is the rehearsal musical director and Matthew Mellor will be musical director during show week. Choreography is by Deborah Clarke
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West Kirby Today #132 Sept 2024
West Kirby Musical Theatre Company stages Disney classicTickets are now available for West Kirby Musical Theatre Company’s performance of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical’.
The show is being staged at the historic Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight from Wednesday 6 November to Saturday 9 November at 7:30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm.Tickets cost £16 plus booking fees.
Michael Kennedy from West Kirby Musical Theatre Company said: “West Kirby Musical Theatre Company supported by Wallasey School of Ballet are thrilled to be staging this production during Wirral’s Borough of Culture year.
“At the centre of this charming fairytale is a beautiful young girl called Belle, held captive by the fearsome Beast in an enchanted castle. As friendship grows between them and love blossoms, the most amazing events begin to unfold.
“Step with us into an enchanted world and meet all your favourite Disney characters along the way, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts and little Chip.”
WKMTC was founded in 1950 and will be celebrating its 75th birthday next year.
The company has staged shows and performed concerts at many different venues across Wirral and in Liverpool including the Floral Pavilion, the Gladstone Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, St George’s Hall, Liverpool Cathedrals, the Royal Court and the Liverpool Empire.
In 2005 and again in 2012 the company broke new ground by staging ‘Titanic the Musical’ at the Liverpool Empire to great critical acclaim (pictured above). It put over 100 cast members on stage on both occasions. In 2005 the show went on to win an award for best musical in the north west.
The Company has been nominated for and won multiple NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) awards for its shows and concerts and has acquired a reputation as a pioneering musical theatre group and a leader in the field. |
