BEAUTY and the BEAST (the pantomime) Director Catherine Davey Music supplied by backing tracks Choreographer Catherine Davey Lowton A.O.D.S. The magic of Pantoland starts well before the opening night. Lowton OADS turns an empty space into a theatre. There is seating to install, wall coverings and facilities for drinks and confectionary to be sold. After all the effort an auditorium is ready for an audience. The crew and technicians created a performance space with backdrop star cloth and a lighting rig. The scenery panels completed the presentation for the audience’s journey to the world where fairytales come alive. In particular, the chandelier ballroom scene was well staged complete with atmospheric lighting. Disney took over the story of Beauty and the Beast meaning that children know that version so well. The younger members were not disappointed as all the characters were recognisable. Costumes, hair and make-up gave the required finishing touches, especially the Beast’s mask made by Liam Thomson. Overture and beginners please! It was a refreshing change that this pantomime was not Dame led allowing the pantomime format to be refreshed. The much loved ‘bloke into a frock’ was included with the group’s stalwart, Bernard Holding giving his experience to playing Smelle. For this version Smelle has a sister, Belle. Hannah Chandler, as Belle, charmingly captured the heart of the beast. As the cursed Prince, Joshua Thomas was a convincing Beast. There was plenty of fun from the Beast’s valet, Pierre, played by Georgia Roe who pulled everything out of the script. As the “Silly Billy” character
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