Beauty and the Beast – Review

Enchantment, mischief and laughter is all you need for a great night out this festive period…

Beauty and the Beast is all of that and more in this spectacular adaptation by the fabulous Theresa Heskins at the New Vic Theatre.

Polly-Lister-Beauty-and-the-beast-new-vic-theatre-2021 — Polly Lister as the Warrior Queen. Credit Andrew Billington

As drama unfolds from the start the utterly astounding Danielle Bird (Goblin Queen) and Polly Lister, (Warrior Queen) captivate each other, and at the same time draw the audience in to a truly magical spell in the round.

After Bella (Rhiannon Skerritt) enters the mystical surroundings of the palace with her sisters, who are all aiming to gain cleaning work, she finds herself alone with a host of friendly strangers – strangers who appear to know more about Bella’s destiny than her.

Dinner preparations are soon underway and the anticipation rises as the audience awaits the greetings from the Beast.

At first – slouched in a large chair – the Beast then stands tall, pacing around and jumping on stilts, towering over Bella as she fears who is on the lunch menu.

Beast is intriguing, he’s bold and he’s played by Nicholas Richardson in true genius fashion throughout.

Beast wants to marry Bella, Bella refuses resolutely, day after day, as the pair go through the motions until the right time comes.

The Goblin Queen returns for more mischief before all ends well and the Beast is released to discover his true self.

Beauty-and-the-beast-New-Vic-2021 — Danielle Bird (Goblin Queen) and Rhiannon Skerritt (Bella). Credit Andrew Billington.

Beauty and the Beast at the New Vic can be described as being dark in places. What it can also be described as is being the best magical Christmas treat everyone needs in a world where we have been experiencing our own involuntary captivations by things out of our control.

One must also not forget the brilliance of the set and costumes combined with the family created at the New Vic along with a superb cast who bring smiles and joy throughout – thank you New Vic!

***** 5 Stars!

Beauty and the Beast is at the New Vic until Saturday 29th January 2022