Beauty and the Beast The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome - Review

Post

Subscribe

Sun 13 Mar 2022 - Sat 26 Mar 2022

There's a certain slickness and high calibre to Disney live productions. Its touring ice dancing shows always dazzle, while on stage, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen have became family favourites and award winners.

So with that in mind, it's no wonder there's been much anticipation over Beauty and The Beast The Musical heading to Birmingham for the first time. Following on from the movie adaptation with Emma Watson, this tale as old as time had high expectations to meet, so would it be able to live up to them?


Staying at #performances ">Birmingham Hippodrome until March 26, Beauty and The Beast is a big scale production. And when I say big, I mean huge - not just in terms of scenery and costumes but for all the hi-tech wizardry too.

Recreating the magic of the cartoon including animated pieces of furniture and crockery seems a big ask but from the very beginning when the Prince is transformed into the Beast, you get a taste of things to come.

The level of detail is amazing and when the characters in the enchanted castle finally make an appearance, that's when Beauty and The Beast comes into its own. They not only have the essence, costumes and wit of these much-loved favourites, like Lumiere and Cogsworth, but they bring them alive in the most creative ways.

Mrs Potts has steam bubbling from her teapot spout, Lumiere has flames bursting from his candelabra arms and most amazing of all is how Chip fits into being a cup on the tea trolley. It just makes this first-class show seem even more magical.

It takes special effects to a whole other level, recreating the wonder of the movie. The best is saved for last with the jaw-dropping transformation of The Beast back to a Prince. It's mind-blowing and will make the younger members of the audience believe in magic.



But everyone is transported into the world of enchanted forests, a towering castle and curses through special stage screens that merge cartoon-esque scenes with the real live action at various points of the two and a half-hour show.

It's not just about special effects as the characterisations and casting are spot on too. Gavin Lee stands out for making Lumiere so hilarious. There's even a lovely nod to the original film with Angela Lansbury's voice booming out as the prologue narrator.

Everything looks and feels so familiar. Gaston's muscles ripple as he chases Belle arrogantly around the village; the Beast grunts and roars in exasperation as he becomes more gentlemanly and the well-loved songs are performed beautifully by the cast and the live orchestra, echoing right around your heart.

The only difference is the addition of new songs for the musical. Although they are lesser-known, they fit in well. The best if them is the Beast singing If I Can't Love Her, but it's the old favourites that stand out from Something There to Beauty And The Beast and the highlight of the show, Be Our Guest.

Lumiere's showstopper doesn't disappoint with a routine that is packed with old Hollywood showgirl style. Dancers dressed as various foods do the can-can while Babette shimmies with feathers. It lasts about 10 minutes and you don't want it to end. It's truly spectacular, right down to its finale of confetti showering the crowd.

Watch the video preview of the show here

The only thing that comes close is when Belle in her signature yellow ballgown(worn by many young girls in the audience) dances with the Beast to the romantic title tune sung beautifully by Sam Bailey's Mrs Potts. It sends hearts a flutter.

Sam is one part of an extremely talented cast that includes impressive Shaq Taylor as Beast and Nigel Richards as Cogsworth, who does a great double act with Lumiere.

Belle is normally played by Courtney Stapleton but on press night it was understudy Grace Swaby-Moore in the role. She was superb and just shows the level of talent they have in the cast.

This spectacular show guarantees to cocoon you in Disney magic. It's a must-see for its amazing special effects, huge dance numbers and for bringing to life one of the most loved fairytale films. Beauty And The Beast The Musical is simply magnifique.

RATING: & #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;

#central_birmingham
#family
#theatre
#theatre -reviews
#theatres
#march
!date 13/03/2022 -- 26/03/2022
%wnbirmingham