BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME – UNTIL SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 2022
REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD
5*****
Most people will know this classic fairytale story of Belle who finds herself captured in an enchanted castle by the Beast, who has to find his true love to break the spell, turning himself back into a handsome Prince and his staff back into real people, but this show by Disney Theatrical Productions is just simply magical.
The show opens with a recorded prologue by Angela Lansbury, the narrator who sets the scene and introduces the audience to the Beast. The stage is very cleverly switched with effects from the enchanted castle, Belle’s home with her father, Maurice (Martin Ball) and a very dark scary wood where there were some great scenes of a ‘wolf attack’ accompanied by the live orchestra who were amazing throughout the evening.
There were time when I felt I was watching a movie with such creativity and invention behind the video production on such a great set that has really seen Disney shine when it comes to bright visuals and some amazing special effects.
Our Belle during this performance was played by the very talented Grace Swaby-Moore, who looking in the programme would usually be part of the ensemble. Her voice was so angelic and pitch perfect that it really does show how important ensemble and swing performers are when they take over a lead role as Grace proved tonight.
The Beast played by Shaq Taylor also had a stunning voice, he played the role perfectly, making the audience feel almost sorry for him when he was trying to win over Belle to see him for who he really is inside.
The cast have polished their dance scenes to a tee, seeing the male cast performing acrobatics to the whole ensemble tap dancing it was a delight for all to see so much colour and vibrancy taking place before your eyes.
My favourite part was the song ‘Be our Guest’ where it was almost like a Hollywood dance number from years ago. Bright and colourful to cheer up a dark March evening in Birmingham !
Lumiere played by Gavin Lee had the audience in stitches with his presence on the stage – he was cast perfectly for this role and had a fabulous French accent.
If I could rate this show more than 5 stars I would, this truly is what Disney does best, creates a magical, spellbinding atmosphere and truly deserved the standing ovation at the Hippodrome tonight.