Bristol Hippodrome – until 4 May 2019
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
3***
Magical, mysterious and beautiful. Birmingham Royal Ballet have managed to take the original fairy tale once made famous by Disney and transform it into a breath taking ballet. David Bintley has managed to choreograph a beautiful piece; accompanied by Philip Ellis’ orchestra, this is a wonderful production.
Delia Mathews and Tyrone Singleton portly the eponymous characters, Beauty and the Beast. Together, they created beautiful movement on the stage, which showed the brilliance of the choreography and the chemistry they both have. Mathews was spellbinding, her fluidity and elegance on stage was a joy to watch. She showed an array of emotions and was able to capture the audience from her very first moment on stage. Singleton was also great to watch. He was able to command the stage through his aggressive and animalistic manner. Together, their dance was magic, romantic but haunting. The transformation of the beast was executed well, with Singleton and Mathews managing to keep the audience enticed throughout.
The elements that make up this production are phenomenal. From the costume and set, through to the orchestra this was a stunning show. There is no magical talking clock, nor is there a dancing candlestick or a maternal teapot, but there is an enchanted chair! Candlesticks light up without hesitation and teapots fill mugs without being held and statues move in complete synchronisation which this adds to the magic of the show. The costumes were divine, with opulent golds and silvers gracing the stage when the ballroom was in session. The Birmingham Royal Ballet Artists as the Ravens were amazing. Their costumes added to the magic of their dancing, with beautiful tulle to show the wings and elements of black and blue that, when hit with the light, shone through to create a stunning vision on stage. Every member of the cast was superb and were truly brilliant.
The orchestra, conducted by Philip Ellis were magnificent. Each member of the orchestra was stunning and created beautiful music. They captured the audience from the first piano key to the final drum beat and were amazing to listen to. The harpist was a stunning addition and added to the magic of the show. Overall, an amazing orchestra.
This is a must see, if you wish to be transported to a magical land, to see a tale as old as time.