Cast shine in 'Beaut' of a show

The show tells the story of Belle who comes across an enchanted castle, where a prince is cursed to live as a beast until someone falls in love with him.

Cared for by a host of colourful characters who are also trapped under the castle’s spell, can the Beast win over Belle before it’s too late and the curse becomes permanent?

There is a great cast in this production by CAOS, with Olivia Marsden hitting the high notes as Belle.

She is ably supported by Ben Jackson and Lee Hilton-Brammer bounce off each other beautifully as Cogsworth and Lumiere.

It is very easy to warm to Kerry Masson-Wilson’s motherly performance as Mrs Potts.

But it is Jonny White who steals his scenes as the misogynistic villain Gaston, slicking back his hair with aplomb and lip curling like a 70s Elvis, he plays the role with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek and a knowing wink to the audience.

Jan Jackson’s direction carefully marshals the large cast and fills the stage to bursting during the big production numbers, especially during the villagers’ opening song, ‘Belle’, and the delightful show-stopping set piece ‘Be Our Guest’.

There are all the songs that you would want to hear from the Disney film, of course, but also a surprising number of songs written for the stage show which round out the production and bring an opportunity for the cast to shine.

The detailed and well-designed costumes and a large and versatile set also really enhance the production.

The lighting design brings plenty of atmosphere as well, plus with the addition of the music being played by a live orchestra, there is much to enjoy in the show.

This is the first time that Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has been performed in Rotherham and the cast and crew really gave it their all.

It was a very memorable production and a great family night out at the theatre.