Bath's premier amateur group puts on a Beauty of a show (From Gazette Series)

Bath's premier amateur group puts on a Beauty of a show

7:14pm Thursday 1st December 2011 in What's On By Alexandra Womack

Review: Disney's Beauty & the Beast

Bath Light Operatic Group at the Theatre Royal Bath

TAKING on a classic children’s tale is a task in itself but stepping into the shoes of the world’s greatest film animators is another challenge altogether.

Bath Light Operatic Group (BLOG) certainly gave Disney’s Beauty and the Beast everything they’ve got on opening night at Bath’s Theatre Royal last night.

From the magical costumes including clocks and candlesticks, living wardrobes and a baby cup to the astounding scenery featuring a moving balcony at an enchanted castle, a French village and an all-singing, all-dancing dining room, this amateur production was anything but.

But BLOG’s show is not just about looks and is as impressive in appearance as it is in content.

Anna Penwarden and Mark Baker take on the lead roles with confidence and professionalism in this heart-warming tale of love triumphing over looks. Anna’s vocals in particular are so pitch perfect she could comfortably feature on a Disney soundtrack tomorrow.

Geoff White is hilarious as the French ladies’ man Lumiere, who is trapped in the form of a candlestick, and his sidekick, the ever-efficient Cogsworth, played by Dave Key-Pugh, is also charming and funny.

Angela Langsbury’s Mrs Potts, the loveable teapot who carries many of the main vocals in Disney’s film, was always going to be a hard act to follow but BLOG stalwart Jacquie Buck does a wonderful job, recreating the motherly figure’s cockney accent and comforting tone. Her version of the title song, Beauty and the Beast, left the audience spellbound and certainly had us humming it all the way home.

Nick Feierabend definitely looks the part as the egotistical Gaston but his performance is not just about muscle as he delivers a great vocal and energy on stage.

Also worthy of mention is Tristan Carter who throws himself about the stage relentlessly as Gaston’s hapless right-hand man Lefou, Helen Feierabend as the fabulously fashionable Babette the wardrobe and Elleesha Dring as the tarty duster Babette.

A hugely enthusiastic cast give their all in each number especially Be My Guest, Human Again and Gaston superbly supported by the BLOG orchestra.

This is a terrific family show which will warm your spirits on a cold winter’s night. Beauty and the Beast is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Sunday. Call the box office on 01225 448844 for tickets.