Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Birmingham Hippodrome - UK tour

Photo credit: Johan Persson

A tale as old as time but still as iconic today as the day it was released. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is back on British soil, having been newly re-imagined by the original Broadway creative team for its current UK and Ireland tour.

This production has the grandeur and effervescence that we have come to expect from Disney’s stage productions and is certainly up there with the best. As soon as we are greeted with Angela Lansbury’s dulcet tones layered on top of Alan Menken’s melodious overture at the start of the show, the audience know they are in for a treat.

Stanley A. Meyer’s touring set design is clever, original, and inventive alongside Darrel Maloney’s video and projection. From the bright, slight animated style of the village to the gothic nature of the Beast’s castle, complete with ornate flying sculptures, every scene is a sight to behold. These elements paired with Natasha Katz’s skilled, beautiful lighting design transport it to the next level. Ann Hould-Ward’s costumes are stunning, with nods to the instantly recognisable outfits we know and love but with a twist; the ballroom scene being a particular highlight.

Matt West’s direction and choreography brings a fresh feel to the classic and the fluidity of the scene changes is seamless - huge kudos to the backstage team who make this happen night after night. West’s creativity and vision truly comes into its own during ‘Be Our Guest’, which is the ultimate showstopper, as it is in the film.

Alan Menken’s music, with Howard Ashman and Tim Rice’s lyrics, is heavenly. Some of the most beautiful numbers are actually those that do not feature in the film such as ‘If I Can’t Love Her’, ‘Human Again’ and ‘A Change In Me’, played by the sensational orchestra under the musical direction of Jonathan Gill.

We were treated to Grace Swaby-Moore playing Belle last night who understudies for Courtney Stapleton. She is a total joy to watch and embraces the character wholeheartedly, and with her clear aptitude as a dancer, she really comes alive during the choreographic numbers. Both Swaby-Moore and Shaq Taylor as the Beast demonstrate clear character arcs across the piece and are an extremely charismatic pairing. The Beast can be a notoriously difficult role to get right but Taylor has a real understanding of the character and his change in physicality is especially well thought out.

Can we PLEASE talk about Gavin Lee as Lumiere though? This is his show. He has an ease and naturalness about him, consistently making intelligent character choices. Many are aware of his dance capabilities from playing Bert in the Original London cast of Mary Poppins and he is able to show this talent during ‘Be Our Guest’ where he is clearly in his element. He possesses perfect comic timing and bounces off Nigel Richards as Cogsworth in particular.

The camaraderie is clear between Lee and Richards, along with the equally brilliant and perfectly cast Sam Bailey as Mrs Potts, Samantha Bingley as Madame and Emma Caffrey as Babette. Bingley in particular oozes star quality with the material she is given.

Tom Senior is delicious as the villain we love to hate, Gaston. His presentation of the character is exactly as you would expect and want it to be. ‘Gaston’ is a brilliant musical number and also shines a light on Louis Stockil as Le Fou. Martin Ball also provides great support as Maurice and has a lovely, tender relationship with his daughter, Belle.

Dazzling and spellbinding.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Beauty and the Beast plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 26 March, with tickets available here. The show then continues to tour until January 2023.