Beauty and the Beast, Greenwich Theatre Review

Written by Becky for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.

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For over 250 years, the tale of Beauty and the Beast has been told and retold, in print, on screen and in the theatre, but now the story gets a fresh makeover from rising stars Sidonie Welton and Brad Tutt.

Beauty and the Beast has had a unique retelling at Greenwich Theatre this summer and is an endearing musical adaption for all of the family. We’ve got all of the features of the classic tale as old as time that we’re familiar with, the cursed beast in the castle, the girl who defies all odds to befriend and love the beast and the magical rose at the centre of it all.

Directed by James Haddrell, the show portrayed a new and creative interpretation of the story that has been recycled many times since its original 1740 fairytale, on which this specific show is based. The production is also written by rising talent Sidonie Welton and Brad Tutt who alongside composer David Haller created some beautiful original songs for the production. The harmonies were gorgeous and at points sent actually shivers down my spine, by far the stand out part of the show. The use of live music played by the cast is a highlight to add to the whimsical theme of the tale. I also loved the slightly rogue colour theme of green throughout the show, reflected in the lighting design and design of all the marketing and programme, I thought it was bold to completely reimagine the usual structure that we used to in such a popular children’s story.

The interpretation of Belle played by Louise Cielecki was definitely an alternative one. Far gone was the idea of Belle being a helpless heroine and now is the time for a sarcastic, witty and dare I say boisterous characterisation of the beloved princess. Beast, Ed Tunningley, had very little character development, he was instantly kind-hearted towards Belle, I definitely would have enjoyed seeing him slightly more ferocious at the start and slowly warm towards his feelings as opposed to portraying it immediately.

Michaela Murphy, however, was the stand out in the cast for me. She had brilliant comedic timing and had a flair for interacting with the audience, especially the children. Not only did she play an array of characters within the ensemble, but she is also the Musical Director of the production and so has lots to be commended for under her belt. The cast were definitely a credit to each other as the chemistry between them was evident as an ensemble.

The story and the way it was told did become slightly convoluted at times, especially with it being advertised as a family show, the cast sometimes was almost unable to keep up with the plot. As a result of this, occasionally you weren’t sure whether you were meant to laugh at certain parts of the show or if there was a slight error in the script writing.

To conclude Beauty and the Beast at the Greenwich Theatre is a quirky and wacky ride. Not at all what I expected going in with its contemporary and unique twist on the tale but it was a pleasant experience. It’s something to consider as an activity for the family this summer.

At Greenwich Theatre until 25 August.

☆ ☆ ☆