The tale of Beauty and the Beast may not be quite as old as time, but it predates either of Disney’s big screen makeovers by a good 250 years, even in its ‘modern’ form as a published fairytale, so any stage production deserves to be judged against its own innate storytelling, and not by comparison to a multi-million dollar movie franchise.
This new retelling at Storyhouse written by Anne Odeke, directed by John Young and with designs by Amy Jane Cook, immediately does however demand one immediate comparison – This is a show that is of a quality standard you might expect in London’s West End. Everything about it, from its tremendous cast to its exemplary staging, is awe-inspiring.
The tone of the show is set from the start in a solo prologue for the fairy Lavender, played by Emmy Stonelake. By the time she has filled us in with the back-story, we know that this is going to be a story told with fun, a modern twist, and elements of pantomime nonsense. She even makes a joke of her own delightful Welsh brogue, pointing out that the onstage captions could prove useful.
The people of Fromage Ville are preoccupied with the judging of a best village competition, and are keen to conceal the presence of the nearby castle occupied by a fearsome beast. The Beast himself, we learn, has a deadline of his own to worry about, in that he will meet his demise if the rapidly approaching hundred year time limit expires for him to find a love that will break his curse.
There are no real spoilers, of course, in disclosing that Belle, who in this version is the daughter of Marcel, Mayor of Fromage Ville, is going to be the one who sees beyond the Beast’s grim, horned appearance and cranky demeanour and saves him in the nick of time. What I won’t spoil are the many surprises that pop up along the way, making this a story populated with imaginative takes on familiar characters.
Katarina Zofia is a breath of fresh air as a down-to-earth no nonsense sort of Belle, while Daniel Bowskill judges his misunderstood role of the Beast perfectly, making him a character who is easy to like if you can look beyond his way-worn weariness and strange visage. There are also fine performances from Caitlin Drake as Belle’s friend Amelie, Miriam O’Brian as the mysterious and mildly venomous Nightshade, and Pranav Viswanathan as a surprising love-interest Pierre.
There is a show-stealing double act from Tom Richardson and Tom Lloyd as the clock and candlestick duo of Pascal and Gregiore. Lloyd also doubles as the ‘best village’ judge and Richardson as the Mayor, but it is as the pair of servants at the Beast’s castle that they really excel, and carry such a lot of the charm and humour.
What impresses especially in this script and its execution is the absolutely effortless (and guileless) sense of inclusivity. In a story that is possibly one of the oldest to celebrate difference and acceptance, Odeke’s writing and Young’s direction deliver the message without a millisecond of preaching, but with armfuls of glorious characterisation and gentle humour.
Cook’s stage and costume designs are beautifully detailed, exquisitely made and sumptuously lit by Aaron J Dootson, making every scene look spectacular, including the few link scenes played out in front of a drop-cloth. Finer details that may go intentionally unnoticed include the deft attachment and removal of flying wires from performers, which can often be clunky in even the finest productions, but which here is done with a magician’s sleight of hand.
Special mention must go Kieran Lucas for what must be the best sound design on any show I have seen in the region this year (and not just over Christmas). Every syllable of dialogue is crystal clear and the balance, both in volume and tonal range, is perfectly judged throughout, making this a joy to listen to.
This is such a joyful, funny, heartwarming show made with so much care and attention to detail that it has five stars written all over it.
Beauty and the Beast is at Chester’s Storyhouse until 4th January, with tickets available here. All performances feature captions, and BSL, audio described and relaxed performances are included in the schedule.
Star Rating 5 stars
Production photography by Charlie Flint
This review was originally written for publication by Good News Liverpool
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