Beauty & the Beast - UK Tour & Palladium

[WireHangers]

Can anyone who saw it confirm that Belle’s dress is indeed based on the drawing we saw previously, the one that looked very haut couture

[jacob]

interval now, it’s .. something
disclaimer - 15 year old average musical goer writing !!
Full house , lots of families .. a few screams, obviously uncomfortable child next to me which is very annoying!
for a Disney show, I’m honestly expecting more:(
won’t talk about actors as this is the second proper show for them, and of course they get the tour to refine their characters individually..
The stage feels sometimes empty.. set is fairly minimalistic so far, with 3 large rotating silver parts (sort of ‘castle coving’) that do look great when moving on and off, as well as having small lights on them.. however, my issue being that the expensive parts of the show just contrast too much with scenes like Be Our Guest, that does reference the older version of B&tB with the circular set frame pieces .. projections are used for the arch at the front, with PowerPoint like transitions in the song that made me cringe a little !! It’s a great number that woke me up though, with Gaston’s number being fairy large before that too. As a whole so far, the show is struggling to find its feet a little, with jokes that feel very panto-y, and the main characters are not as affectionate towards each other as I’d like !! Lumiere has more chemistry at this point with that duster than Belle did with her father and the beast :/

[shady23]

I saw a post on twitter with photos of the merch for people interested in that kind of thing

T shirts are £40, apparently. Yes it's Disney so you expect prices to be high but tshirts at Bedknobs and Broomsticks are half the price.

[jacob]

The costumes and set from this version are clearly based off of those in the original production I can now see, after watching a few scenes from a full musical upload (not sure why I was expecting any different tonight ..) Scanning through the video ,I’ve randomly noticed the Gaston, LeFou and asylum man(?) song is not in this production. I’m sure more has been cut / added, but I’m not one to sit and watch a whole VHS bootleg and evaluate
(my apologies for not being alive at the time to have seen the original, or being aware of any production to come after it). Act 2 felt very fast in comparison to the first tonight. 1hr 20 , and then 40 mins
Will just share a few notes before I disappear:) only slightly critical as this is Disney!!
It was alright In my opinion. Set was interesting to look at however could’ve had more depth, with scenes such as Belle’s library looking empty when ignoring the large screen backdrop - without, it would’ve made the show look like a panto with money.. Stanley Meyer does a gorgeous job though! Crisp visuals for some moments .. Just give me more not a huge fan of the moon in various scenes having different looks, the Ballroom scene in Act 2 is gorgeous with it then (a much larger yellow moon with a 2D watercolour appearance) but earlier on in Gaston, it looks.. Halloween projection.. even then, the effects used are great! Slight spoilers, but Lumiere does light up occasionally for comedic effect, Mrs Potts has some steam, gun fires from Gaston, the rose lights up and you see the petals glow and fall, chunky magic mirror with visible LEDs, levitating witch and Beast, strobe lightning, rain projections, confetti cannons etc. Interesting to see!!
If this showing is getting a W.E. transfer like rumoured, I’m really hoping they’ll rework it further and upgrade .. i get that it’s supposed to bring back memories for some, but for those going to see this as a fan of other Disney musicals, you may be slightly disappointed.
In this new UK production , it looks to be a combination of the 3 B&TB formats (the first cartoon film, original onstage musical and then the live action remake), maybe to appeal to fans who will recognise their favourite variant? Be Our Guest is an incredible and great number to see, two dimensional graphics, overly saturated and fun, (one moment, the screen at the back shows an overhead view of the ensemble on the floor in almost 42nd street leg movements and rolls, not entirely sure how i felt about that) however compared to the pots and pans kitchen before and the metallic Castle aesthetic, it just seems like a different production? i get that it’s supposed to reference the older production, and while the set looked more refined, it still felt out of place !! male ensemble costumes were meh, being blue and yellow trousers, waistcoats and cutlery embroidery.. out of context, I would’ve never have guessed B&TB! The neck tie napkin briefly placed on Belle with Sebastian the crab on the front did make me smile though
Even then, you know the song is coming .. but little build up? Some of the scenes before are just too long with no meaningful dialogue .. sorry:( would it be that bad to change it? Maybe I’m just thinking too much ..
The script should’ve been edited. I’m aware that it’s Beauty & The Beast, and surely it’s just that, but some characters were very one note! The Beast sings If I Can’t Love Her, but doesn’t have much chemistry beforehand with Belle, and gets more laughs trying to make an effort after being pushed by the castle objects to make a romantic move with her for the sake of turning Human(decent song !!!!)
With that being said, the ensemble and choreography in ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’, and ‘Be Our Guest’ is immaculate!! Pretty complex dancing and a lot going on in all three numbers. Some minimal set is understandable for these songs;)
Throughout, the majority of the laughs didn’t work for me, being just exaggerated comments mainly for children reaction (too many oblivious kids laughing for the sake of laughing !) and a few bits were similar to wicked :0
—
My conclusion, if you remember the 90s production and still feel nostalgia relating to it, go and see this. If you’re a family with children that can understand basic theatre etiquette and need a fun night out, go and see this. If B&TB is one of your favourite Disney films.. you get the idea:)
Was just hoping for a more solid production! Still enjoyed it, and was nice to be back seeing a show again minus the child next to me trying to jump down into the stalls all the way up from the grand circle.

[jacob]

Aug 26, 2021 14:01:57 GMT WireHangers said:

Can anyone who saw it confirm that Belle’s dress is indeed based on the drawing we saw previously, the one that looked very haut couture

Can confirm .. not able to remember exactly, but I believe the neck piece wasn’t there? draped sleeve fabric was exaggerated, Glinda bubble dress petals present too - sparkled and moved beautifully, got a gasp from the audience too when the spotlight revealed Courtney :0

[Deleted]

Aug 27, 2021 0:11:21 GMT jacob said:

The costumes and set from this version are clearly based off of those in the original production I can now see, after watching a few scenes from a full musical upload (not sure why I was expecting any different tonight ..) Scanning through the video ,I’ve randomly noticed the Gaston, LeFou and asylum man(?) song is not in this production. I’m sure more has been cut / added, but I’m not one to sit and watch a whole VHS bootleg and evaluate
(my apologies for not being alive at the time to have seen the original, or being aware of any production to come after it). Act 2 felt very fast in comparison to the first tonight. 1hr 20 , and then 40 mins
Will just share a few notes before I disappear:) only slightly critical as this is Disney!!
It was alright In my opinion. Set was interesting to look at however could’ve had more depth, with scenes such as Belle’s library looking empty when ignoring the large screen backdrop - without, it would’ve made the show look like a panto with money.. Stanley Meyer does a gorgeous job though! Crisp visuals for some moments .. Just give me more not a huge fan of the moon in various scenes having different looks, the Ballroom scene in Act 2 is gorgeous with it then (a much larger yellow moon with a 2D watercolour appearance) but earlier on in Gaston, it looks.. Halloween projection.. even then, the effects used are great! Slight spoilers, but Lumiere does light up occasionally for comedic effect, Mrs Potts has some steam, gun fires from Gaston, the rose lights up and you see the petals glow and fall, chunky magic mirror with visible LEDs, levitating witch and Beast, strobe lightning, rain projections, confetti cannons etc. Interesting to see!!
If this showing is getting a W.E. transfer like rumoured, I’m really hoping they’ll rework it further and upgrade .. i get that it’s supposed to bring back memories for some, but for those going to see this as a fan of other Disney musicals, you may be slightly disappointed.
In this new UK production , it looks to be a combination of the 3 B&TB formats (the first cartoon film, original onstage musical and then the live action remake), maybe to appeal to fans who will recognise their favourite variant? Be Our Guest is an incredible and great number to see, two dimensional graphics, overly saturated and fun, (one moment, the screen at the back shows an overhead view of the ensemble on the floor in almost 42nd street leg movements and rolls, not entirely sure how i felt about that) however compared to the pots and pans kitchen before and the metallic Castle aesthetic, it just seems like a different production? i get that it’s supposed to reference the older production, and while the set looked more refined, it still felt out of place !! male ensemble costumes were meh, being blue and yellow trousers, waistcoats and cutlery embroidery.. out of context, I would’ve never have guessed B&TB! The neck tie napkin briefly placed on Belle with Sebastian the crab on the front did make me smile though
Even then, you know the song is coming .. but little build up? Some of the scenes before are just too long with no meaningful dialogue .. sorry:( would it be that bad to change it? Maybe I’m just thinking too much ..
The script should’ve been edited. I’m aware that it’s Beauty & The Beast, and surely it’s just that, but some characters were very one note! The Beast sings If I Can’t Love Her, but doesn’t have much chemistry beforehand with Belle, and gets more laughs trying to make an effort after being pushed by the castle objects to make a romantic move with her for the sake of turning Human(decent song !!!!)
With that being said, the ensemble and choreography in ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’, and ‘Be Our Guest’ is immaculate!! Pretty complex dancing and a lot going on in all three numbers. Some minimal set is understandable for these songs;)
Throughout, the majority of the laughs didn’t work for me, being just exaggerated comments mainly for children reaction (too many oblivious kids laughing for the sake of laughing !) and a few bits were similar to wicked :0
—
My conclusion, if you remember the 90s production and still feel nostalgia relating to it, go and see this. If you’re a family with children that can understand basic theatre etiquette and need a fun night out, go and see this. If B&TB is one of your favourite Disney films.. you get the idea:)
Was just hoping for a more solid production! Still enjoyed it, and was nice to be back seeing a show again minus the child next to me trying to jump down into the stalls all the way up from the grand circle.

Thanks for the review. Interesting reading and my hopes are fading. It does sound like they have just one set piece and then rely on video projection without depth.

To be honest this version doesn't sound like the original at all. The original was lush, opulent and romantic fairytale. Not minimal in anyway.

I assume Maison Des Lunes has been cut due to avoiding mental health complaints which is a shame as its a key plot point. But it makes more sense than cutting belles apron

[jacob]

@mark84
the screen wasn’t horrendous, with sharp backdrops, and also some of the animations on there were clever enough to look like set pieces moving in and out .. but the fading transitions were slightly noticeable and ruined the look for me. Scenes like the beginning of the castle looked great, but seemed to appear much smaller when looking at Stanley’s sketches. For how rushed some moments felt, I can understand the theory behind the screen..
Going back to watch more of the Broadway production, and this does look better:)

[jacob]

…previews, right? Hoping that does mean we’ll slowly get a few changes as well as production photos and maybe a trailer, as I’m already tired of that silhouette logo with the petals …
*cue audience members shaking the grand circle causing the projected curtain for the show to move* - it does become even more animated though as the show starts with the petals moving, however it didn’t look too bright to begin with^
an a5 programme with no Act 1 and 2 songs listed and also no on-stage cast photos (even rehearsal ones would’ve been nice) was disappointing

[alison]

An opinion from the opposite perspective here (old enough to exist when the film came out and it was THE film of my childhood). I’ve never seen the Disney production before but saw the cheaper UK Productions tour a couple of times.

The set is indeed largely reliant on the video wall. There are set pieces moved on and off (and a fair few of them for different scenes, not just one or two repurposed). It works well for some scenes - the tavern during Gaston felt sprawling in the right way, with a physical bar area and a couple of other props that I can’t remember what exactly they were now. I agree that the library did feel empty though. Hopefully they can add another physical element or two to the emptier scenes. Sitting in front side stalls, I did appreciate that the “masking” area around the proscenium was used for projections too and integrated more into the show rather than just being plain black, it felt less like my view was obstructed and more involved with the show.

Costumes are a bit of a mix. Courtney’s are generally lovely (although I don’t understand the loss of apron either). The embroidery on the blue dress looks pretty from front stalls, the skirt is full and moves well when she dances, and I really want her shoes from that outfit (blue double strap Mary Janes with a tapered heel and white floral patterns). The pink dress is the least flattering of her three main costumes but that’s kind of the point, and the design of it works but still looks well made and detailed. The ball gown is the scalloped, beaded one linked earlier in the thread and it looks gorgeous under the lights. The neck piece is more sheer and sparkly, the sort of thing you might see on a low-cut dress on Strictly. Her finale dress has the same skirt with a creamy white overlay and a slightly different top half (not sure whether it’s an adaptation of the ball costume or a completely separate dress). The long braid wig for curtain calls is only for the finale, for the ball her hair is down with a sparkly tiara.

The household staff costumes were mostly good. Lumiere works better on stage than that photo suggested - the size of his candlesticks works and the wig (grey streaked with blue) works to suggest a hot flame. I agree that some of their dialogue does come across as panto-like, and it’s so obvious where some of their scenes have been placed to allow for a costume or scenery change and don’t necessarily seem to be there for any other reason.

Jacob has already covered the ensemble costumes for Be Our Guest so I will just agree. Their villager costumes were less gaudy, not quite the level of detail from pics of the original production but not bad.

Now. The Beast. From everything I’ve seen the Beast has always seemed to have either quite heavy prosthetics or a partial mask for the majority of the show. Emmanuel has the wig/headpiece with the horns, some lower facial fuzz that I think is just his own beard, and a prosthetic nose. That’s it. His boots have beast toes and claws sticking out but nothing on his hands, which was made even more unfortunate when he sang “and when we touched she didn’t shudder at my paw” and looked at his perfectly human hand. They need to sort that. I did appreciate that being able to see more of his face allows for more nuance in the Beast’s acting though.

Two songs are gone from the original cast recording - No Matter What (which makes Maurice an absolutely tiny part now) and Maison des Lunes. I do get it, but the removal of Maison made act two feel very short. Some lovely voices among the leads, and I hope I get to see them again later in the run when they’ve settled in more and will be even better (unlikely though as it’s not coming anywhere near me in the announced dates so far).

Overall, it was worth the 5 1/2 hour round trip to see Courtney, but I wouldn’t have gone just for the show.

[mrbarnaby]

One of my all time theatrical Bête noirs- using the show poster or logo on the front cloth. Absolutely uninspired.

[Jon]

I assume A Change in Me is still in the show so losing Maison des Lunes isn't a huge deal.

[fiyerorocher]

Why is it taking so long for them to add more venues to this?! I need something closer :')

[jacob]

Aug 27, 2021 15:42:53 GMT Jon said:

I assume A Change in Me is still in the show so losing Maison des Lunes isn't a huge deal.

It’s there, and Courtney does is beautifully, but still means Act 2 feels a little short

[imstillhere]

I took a trip to Bristol last night and caught the 4th (?) preview. This was my first large scale show back after the pandemic so in that regard it was rather wonderful to see. I saw the original on Broadway pretty young in it’s closing season. It’s always brilliant to hear Menken and Ashman’s incredible original score live is always a joy, it’s witty when it needs to be and moving when the story demands.

It was fascinating watching something in its early days which has West End and Broadway plans bubbling away. Echoing what a lot of users have said about the design. This isn’t decadent like the original. It doesn’t have the theatrical illusions, practical effects. (and the 900 million fireballs of the original.) I think what’s going to help form your opinion is how you subjectively feel about a design mainly made up of Projection/LED/Shaddows. I felt it worked best when it was supporting the dressing on stage, but not when it was the dominant thing. For me the projection design never quite felt *live* enough. It doesn’t feel theatrical. It feels by its very nature dead. (Creative decisions which were made months ago) Right now I don’t think the design is supporting and working with the actors enough, it needs to do better to support the storytelling more. For example the library scene which should be an image of wonder and awe and a major just feels like a powerpoint presentation. This should be a major changing image in Belle and Beast’s relationship and it just feels kinda flat. Comparing this to the brilliant projection used in Cursed Child which makes it look like the entire stage is shaking, that image feels theatrical and magical but here it doesn’t quite work yet. Projection works best when you don’t notice it’s projection. The beast makeup isn’t working yet, right now it’s both leaving a lot for the audience's imagination yet also attempting to make him look beastly. It needs to make a decision as it can’t do both.

Matt West’s production feels as its most confident during its dance numbers. This isn’t surprising considering his background. Gaston throws about a million comic ideas at the wall and not all of them stick but after covid it’s just a joy watching an ensemble work together again being playful. Be Our Guest really sticks the landing and it gives the audience exactly what they want. Oddly 27 years after the original complaints this STILL feels like a cruise production or a show you would catch at Disneyland. It’s never lost that feeling. I often wonder what this, Little Mermaid and Aladdin would have been like if Howard Ashman had lived? Would they have felt more like genuine Broadway musicals and not capitalist cash ins?


The performances are great. Gavin Lee is great fun. Courtney Stapleton is wonderful and Emmanuel Kojo has some funny playful moments. They do a good job at playing oddly underwritten lead characters. Angela Lansbry narrates the prologue!! The new cuts in the material work brilliantly. (Disney theatrical shows have an annoying habit of filler songs and this new production eliminates a lot of them)

Basically overall I really enjoyed it because I’m a Disney fangirl and my ticket was cheap but a great seat. I’m not sure if THIS is the production which can transfer to the West end and Broadway though? Surely it would have to be scaled up?

[mrbarnaby]

Aug 28, 2021 9:05:20 GMT imstillhere said:

I took a trip to Bristol last night and caught the 4th (?) preview. This was my first large scale show back after the pandemic so in that regard it was rather wonderful to see. I saw the original on Broadway pretty young in it’s closing season. It’s always brilliant to hear Menken and Ashman’s incredible original score live is always a joy, it’s witty when it needs to be and moving when the story demands.

It was fascinating watching something in its early days which has West End and Broadway plans bubbling away. Echoing what a lot of users have said about the design. This isn’t decadent like the original. It doesn’t have the theatrical illusions, practical effects. (and the 900 million fireballs of the original.) I think what’s going to help form your opinion is how you subjectively feel about a design mainly made up of Projection/LED/Shaddows. I felt it worked best when it was supporting the dressing on stage, but not when it was the dominant thing. For me the projection design never quite felt *live* enough. It doesn’t feel theatrical. It feels by its very nature dead. (Creative decisions which were made months ago) Right now I don’t think the design is supporting and working with the actors enough, it needs to do better to support the storytelling more. For example the library scene which should be an image of wonder and awe and a major just feels like a powerpoint presentation. This should be a major changing image in Belle and Beast’s relationship and it just feels kinda flat. Comparing this to the brilliant projection used in Cursed Child which makes it look like the entire stage is shaking, that image feels theatrical and magical but here it doesn’t quite work yet. Projection works best when you don’t notice it’s projection. The beast makeup isn’t working yet, right now it’s both leaving a lot for the audience's imagination yet also attempting to make him look beastly. It needs to make a decision as it can’t do both.

Matt West’s production feels as its most confident during its dance numbers. This isn’t surprising considering his background. Gaston throws about a million comic ideas at the wall and not all of them stick but after covid it’s just a joy watching an ensemble work together again being playful. Be Our Guest really sticks the landing and it gives the audience exactly what they want. Oddly 27 years after the original complaints this STILL feels like a cruise production or a show you would catch at Disneyland. It’s never lost that feeling. I often wonder what this, Little Mermaid and Aladdin would have been like if Howard Ashman had lived? Would they have felt more like genuine Broadway musicals and not capitalist cash ins?


The performances are great. Gavin Lee is great fun. Courtney Stapleton is wonderful and Emmanuel Kojo has some funny playful moments. They do a good job at playing oddly underwritten lead characters. Angela Lansbry narrates the prologue!! The new cuts in the material work brilliantly. (Disney theatrical shows have an annoying habit of filler songs and this new production eliminates a lot of them)

Basically overall I really enjoyed it because I’m a Disney fangirl and my ticket was cheap but a great seat. I’m not sure if THIS is the production which can transfer to the West end and Broadway though? Surely it would have to be scaled up?

Scaled up? You’re being too kind. Completely redesigned I’d say.

[imstillhere]

Probably yeah. Because it isn't the strongest musical I think truly to make it work it needs to be presented in the most lavish way possible.

[mrbarnaby]

They really should have employed a better design team. Wasted opportunity here.

[danb]

Can we get your review of the show Mr B?

[10642]

Saw this tonight. Overall I think a pretty good cast is let down by a poor production. The cast gave an excellent performance with what they were given. I feel like the show needs someone to take it by the scruff of the neck and decide if it’s aiming to be a panto-comedy or something deeper. If they do want to create something deeper, every aspect needs to be examined to see how/if it serves the story. I agree with the criticisms of the set design mentioned earlier in the thread. Maybe Disney have been busy with Frozen and Bedknobs and Broomsticks but i think this needs some serious attention if its going to get near the West End or Broadway

[jacob]

Aug 28, 2021 22:05:10 GMT 10642 said:

Saw this tonight. Overall I think a pretty good cast is let down by a poor production. The cast gave an excellent performance with what they were given. I feel like the show needs someone to take it by the scruff of the neck and decide if it’s aiming to be a panto-comedy or something deeper. If they do want to create something deeper, every aspect needs to be examined to see how/if it serves the story. I agree with the criticisms of the set design mentioned earlier in the thread. Maybe Disney have been busy with Frozen and Bedknobs and Broomsticks but i think this needs some serious attention if its going to get near the West End or Broadway

Agreeing.. the team love to use the word “reimagined” yet the script is the same, and the costumes and set seem to be scaled down - why keep it all? I’m convinced the title “Beauty and the Beast” is what’s bringing those to see the show, as opposed to audience members wanting to see a form of the original production again

[interval99]

At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon.
Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12.
The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up
They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around.

[shady23]

Aug 29, 2021 13:18:42 GMT interval99 said:

At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon.
Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12.
The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up
They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around.

The cup is a bit different to normal as it is one of those ones where the design changes when hot liquid is in it.

[interval99]

Treacle toffee ice-cream is still available at the hippodrome. Wonderful.
Surprisingly long first half but enjoying it, finding it more enjoyable as it's forging it's own identity rather than trying to copy the look of the animation film.
The audience seem to be liking it and the big Gaston number getting as much love and noisy reaction as the be your guest number

[enh2]

Aug 29, 2021 13:18:42 GMT interval99 said:

At the Sunday 29th matinee and there are notices it's being filmed this afternoon.
Still no brochure and the merchandise is horrendous high priced as other have said. Did like the Gaston's tavern fridge magnet in fake old bronze and antlers but will wait unit interval to find price expecting GBP 12.
The tall coffee mugs normally 12 in West end are 22. Surprisingly lack of normal soft toys figures which normally get snapped up
They seem to have asked most people to get here early so a lot of waiting around.

Reckon a brochure might be on sale once the production pics are out.

I’m seeing it middle of Sep so hopefully they will have one by then.

[FairyGodmother]

I like the sound of treacle toffee ice cream! I didn't know that existed.

I keep getting adverts for relaxed performances of it. I think they're a great idea and I'm pleased they're advertising them, but I'd quite like to see the actual trailer rather than Mrs Potts talking to me again!