Beauty and the Beast – Richmond Theatre, London

Director: Paul Robinson

Writer: Alan McHugh

Richmond Theatre’s production ofBeauty and the Beastoffers an enjoyable evening of entertainment, with moments of charm and humour, though it does not fully capture the magic of the beloved tale. With a talented cast, lively choreography, and a clear effort to appeal to families in the audience, the production has its heart in the right place, even if some aspects do not quite hit the mark.

Director Paul Robinson casts the show with success. Betty Bouffant, played by Ben Stock, brings plenty of humour and warmth, serving as a lively anchor throughout the show—everything a Dame is meant to be. The Beast, played by Luke McCall, is another highlight, commanding the stage with a presence that makes his journey compelling, although his mask is not as convincing as it could be. While perhaps intended to make the character less frightening for younger audience members or to align with the Disney design, the mask lacks a bit of realism that would elevate his transformation.

Belle, played by Hope Dawe, delivers an energetic performance, but it is hard to connect with her portrayal of the character. The build-up of the critical relationship between Belle and the Beast feels rushed and unconvincing, which diminishes the emotional impact.

The production, written by Alan McHugh, seems torn between embracing the well-known Disney version of the story and striking out with something more original. This middle ground occasionally leaves the audience unsure of the direction. Some moments lean heavily into the Disney template, while others diverge, creating a disjointed feel. Fully committing to one approach or the other could provide a more cohesive and engaging experience.

The band, led by musical director Pierce Tee, produces consistent and upbeat music, though it occasionally overpowers the actors’ microphones on stage. Some song choices work well, while others feel mismatched. That said, the production benefits from lively ensemble numbers and an energetic delivery by the cast. The dancers, choreographed by Jenny Thomas, are particularly outstanding. Their precision and enthusiasm bring a spark to the production, adding a layer of polish that is hard to fault.

Visually, the set design has moments of creativity, but some technical aspects fall short. For example, the use of translucent curtains, which can often create magical transitions, feels underutilised here. The Beast’s transformation, a key moment in the story, is predictable and lacks the originality to make it truly memorable. However, there is an evident effort to keep the staging engaging, with colourful costumes and lively movement throughout.

While the writing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the pacing of key emotional moments, there are still elements of humour and warmth that resonate with the audience. The jokes bring a light-hearted tone that younger viewers seem to enjoy.

Overall,Beauty and the Beastat Richmond Theatre is a pleasant and fun take on the classic story. It offers plenty of enjoyable moments, particularly for families, and leaves the audience feeling merry and cheerful.

Runs until 5 January 2025