Tale as old as time.
True as it can be.
Barely even friends,
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly.
Third time in two years seeing Beauty and the Beast. Always a delight, and safe in the prospect of an excellent production with Tinkers Farm at the helm. I like this society and each year they offer two quite different mediums, at least since I have been going to see them. In Autumn, you get a Comedy Play/TV Tie-in and Spring, a musical. And they do not come much bigger than Alan Menken’s classic fairytale. Full of instantly recognisable numbers, I was enthralled by the opening night for this run.
Okay, there were some early teething troubles. Sound issues (like that never happens in am-dram) and what looked like the most cumbersome set ever were a couple, but these were in the opening fifteen minutes, and everything appeared to sail smoothly after that. Then, by the end of the show, you felt you had watched the professionals.
As our Beauty we had Rebecca Bate who was on top form in the role of Belle, shining in Home and A Change in Me, plus taking the lead in Belle. Alongside and the man behind a quite fearsome mask was Richard Cooper playing the Beast. Excelling during How Long Must This Go On and If I Can’t Love Her, Cooper was also commanding in stage presence. Gaston, the villain of the piece was Adam Siviter who gave a powerful performance. I only wish audiences would not boo the baddie in musicals; this is not panto. People have put their heart and soul into a role and deserve their moment. Raymond Turrell was a likeable LeFou as was Dave Hogan playing Maurice. I will add, for Maurice, it was a brave but wise decision to ditch the false moustache mid-show after several mishaps. Into the Beast household and Simon Wilkinson was my personal favourite as Cogsworth, but he was ably supported by Helen Hogan (Mrs Potts), Matthew Morgan (Lumiere), Gabby Baldwin (Madame), Sarah Jennings (Babette) and both Maisie Harrison and Katie Cleary (for alternating performances) as Chip (I have no idea which I saw). Dominic Butters played Monsieur D’Arque while the Enchantress was Tina Andrews. I also enjoyed the entertaining and funny rivalry between Les Fillies (Rachael Royal, Emma Preece and Evan Johnson). A strong ensemble then completed a magical production which Emma Harley (Director/Choreographer) and Richard Ganner (Musical Director) can be proud of.
Familiar numbers including No Matter What, Gaston, Be Our Guest and that tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast made this even more special. Tinkers Farm return to comedy drama later this year with Blackadder II (a cunning plan) before a massive undertaking this time next year in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I am well jealous of those taking part in the latter.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from Tinkers Farm social media and may not represent the actual performance reviewed.
Antony N Britt - Author 