David Tickner reviews Viva Theatre Company's production of Beauty and the Beast
As soon as we entered the auditorium and saw the inviting curves in the margins of Alan Gleed’s simple but effective set, we knew that a real treat awaited us.
Viva’s production of Beauty and the Beast was everything you could wish for in a pantomime and more.
It is important to stress that this was panto, not the musical.
For example, the jeopardy was not in the wilting rose, but in panto villainy.
And, of course, there was a dame.
It is hard to believe that Michael Heslop is a seasoned dame at such a young age, but his Dame Dolly Dumb-Belle was a tour de force.
Dressed in ever more silly costumes, he maintained an easy rapport with the audience, including the unfortunate fellow picked on as the target for flirtatious innuendo.
The jokes were absolutely dreadful, I’m pleased to say.
The rest of the cast did not disappoint.
Sinead Mathias-Medeiros captured the hearts of the audience as Belle with a sublimely winning performance, not least in the musical numbers.
Jody Corbett was delightful as the good Fairy Rose, in contrast to the evil enchantress Madeina, played with almost Wagnerian relish by Samantha Dodd.
As Belle’s father, David Learner gave us a vulnerable, yet sympathetic Professor Philippe Flopp.
What about the would-be heroes? As Gaston – the Beast – Aaron Lord played it straight and noble, even when angry, and we knew he would be the right choice for Belle.
Playing Gaston, Ricky Rayment, late of TOWIE, gave us a great study in misplaced arrogance, but still keeping the audience onside.
Musically, the show was triumphant.
Under Joseph Hall’s musical direction and Jessica Clifford’s choreography, the big numbers were complex, energetic and precise, with excellent use of a superb ensemble and a gorgeous group of panto babes.
Well-known hits from musicals such as Wicked, Six and Footloose gave the audience opportunity to clap along.
The ever-changing array of costumes was yet another highlight, thanks to Brenda Rose’s expertise.
This was particularly effective when the Beast’s servants were changed into household objects.
This gave the ensemble – Elisha Bilimoria, Holly Pryke, Alex Eden, Rori Saxby and Zack-Rhys Wymer – a great moment to shine.
All the elements of panto were there.
As well as the excruciating puns, there were tongue-twisters, slapstick and the customary singalong.
Front of House is rarely mentioned in reviews, but it is important to credit the team.
Not only were they welcoming and efficient, they also pre-selected youngsters to be brought on stage to sing, helping the show to move on briskly.
It is hard to believe that this show was put together in less than a week.
Although there were a couple of technical issues, such as a misfiring wand, it is to the credit of everyone involved, in particular Dan Schumann, who, as director and producer put the whole thing together, that Viva yet again offered the community a show of the highest quality.
The panto runs until December 14. Tickets available online.
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