Ian Waller and his family enjoy a night of Disney magic that is just impossible to fault
Do you want to see a faultless, spectacular, full of fun family musical that will keep you entranced from beginning to end? Then you must pay a visit to the Bristol Hippodrome to see the return of Beauty and the Beast, an absolute joy of a production that was so worth all of the extended applause and cheers from a very happy audience.
Yes, we loved it – and this was the third time we’ve seen it!
Of course, we all know the story of Beauty and the Beast, with Belle being imprisoned by the Beast and slowly helping him to rediscover the human love that’s within him, while the around her a cast of wonderful characters and pitch perfect songs bring the story to life in a way that only Disney productions manage. Now add in fantastic stage designs, a smattering of magic and choreography and dance of the very highest standard, and you’re starting to appreciate the appeal of the production.
From the very start, the production is given a flash of stardom with a vocal appearance from Disney’s own Grande Dame, Angela Lansbury. Then straight away the spirit, colour and energy of the show takes over, with Belle (Courtney Stapleton), Gaston (Tom Senior) and the ensemble setting the scene, with the townsfolk enamoured by Gaston’s muscles and looks, while Belle is more interested in spending time with her father Maurice (Martin Ball) and her head in yet another book.
Right away the talent of the cast shines from the stage with an energy and skill that brings the Hippodrome to life. Throughout the ensemble are superb, making the most of choreography and colourful costumes, and demonstrating a level of energy that makes you wonder how they keep going. Actually, talking of energy, a special mention must go to Louis Stockil as Gaston’s aptly names sidekick Le Fou, who displays such athleticism and stamina throughout, alongside some excellent slapstick skills, that I’m amazed he’s still standing by the end!
However, the real fun takes place at the Beast’s castle, when Belle meets the servants, enchanted alongside their master into taking the form of household objects – Lumiere (Alyn Hawke) a candlestick, Cogsworth (Nigel Richards) a clock, Mrs Potts (Sam Bailey) a teapot and Madame (Samantha Bingley) a dressing table. Even Mrs Potts little son, Chip (Zayne Norris) is transformed into a teacup. And this is where the real fun and joy – plus a touch of old school Disney scary bits – takes place.
The performances throughout are just first-rate, with Lumiere and Cogsworth in particularly making a perfect comedy double act, constantly bickering but clearly the best of friends. In fact, it’s Lumiere who prompts the set-piece par excellence with the spectacular Be My Guest routine, which is just amazing. Think 1930’s style Busby Berkeley dance routines, complete with feather boas, incredible costumes, perfect routines and oodles of style, fun and panache, and you’re starting to get the vibe. If ever a single performance in the middle of a production deserves its own standing ovation, this is it.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, we loved Beauty and the Beast – an exceptional show that families will absolutely love. No doubt we’ll be back for a fourth time too!
Beauty and the Beast runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 12 November 2022. For more information and to book tickets, click here.