BEAUTY and the Beast is a story close to many hearts: enchantment, adventure, daring-do and the transforming power of love make a magic brew which was very apparent in this production, despite a few hiccups along the way.
The Disney version of the tale is still as popular as ever - as the huge amount of little girls wearing ball-gowns at last night's production will testify.
A spoilt and selfish prince is punished by an enchantress for his lack of heart. He and his household are magically transformed. The Prince into a monstrous beast and his servants into an assortment of enchanted objects: talking clocks, candlesticks and dancing carpets, cutlery and napkins to name but a few.
A magic rose is the marker of the Beast's punishment. If he has not learned to love another and earn their love in return by the time the last petal falls he will be cursed to remain a monster forever.
This touring production is a lot more understated than the last version to visit the Empire with most of the action taking place towards the front of the stage.
A clever set design by Charles Camm and atmospheric lighting by David Howe allows the cast to move locations from French village square to dark threatening forest to enchanted castle and back again with ease.
The music by Alan Menken and songs by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice had most of the audience humming along in time and the big musical number, 'Be Our Guest' is still a show-stopper.
This is a show that wears it's heart most definitely on it's sleeve and that unapologetic sentiment was very much on display. Numbers like 'If I Can't Love Her' and 'Beauty and the Beast' provoke real emotion.
This is offset by amusing antics of the household led by candlestick Lumiere (Mark Inscoe, complete with real flames) and mantle clock, Cogsworth (Adam Stafford). This potent blending of drama, humour, whimsy and pathos is a winning combination.
