Belle feels out of place in her small French village and dreams of something beyond the life expected of her. When her father becomes a prisoner in a mysterious castle, Belle offers to take his place and finds herself living with the Beast, a prince transformed by an enchantress for his selfishness. His only chance of becoming human again is to learn to love and be loved before the final petal falls from an enchanted rose. With a castle full of enchanted servants quietly interfering, Belle and the Beast slowly become friends and then something more, breaking the spell before it is too late.
All Saints Elton Theatre Company presented Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – The Broadway Musical at The Met in Bury from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st July 2024. Andy Milthorpe directed, Martin Wadsworth was musical director and Samantha Tarrier choreographed the production.
Based on Disney’s animated film and the traditional French fairy tale, the stage musical expands the familiar story with a full theatrical score, large ensemble scenes and the wonderfully chaotic household of Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts and Chip. Chris White, Tony Rostron and Laura Thompson played Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs Potts respectively.
Outside the castle, Belle also has Gaston to deal with, played by Matthew Fleming, with Adam Moss as Le Fou. Gaston is handsome, admired and absolutely certain Belle ought to marry him, which would be more convincing if he had ever considered asking what Belle wanted.
The real heart of the story is the relationship between Belle and the Beast, played by Tilly Smith and Dave Oliver. Neither gets quite what they expect from the other. Their first meetings are filled with anger and suspicion, but gradually both begin to see past appearances and assumptions.
The musical features songs from the film alongside numbers written for the stage, turning the enchanted castle into a huge theatrical playground.
Our production filled Derby Hall at The Met with music, comedy, romance and a collection of household objects considerably more emotionally intelligent than Gaston.
A tale as old as time, perhaps. Fortunately, it still cleans up rather well.