Un-Belle-ievable! Spectacular way to reopen Hippodrome
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Bristol Hippodrome ★★★★★
AFTER 17 months of darkness, the lights of The Bristol Hippodrome have been switched back on in spectacular style with a beast of a show that is truly un-Belle-ievable.
The world premiere production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast burst on to the Hippodrome stage and completely swept the audience away.
Combining breathtaking new designs and state-of-the-art technology with the classic, fairytale story, the much-loved Grade II listed venue couldn’t have asked for a better performance to welcome theatre-goers back.
Opulent sets, stunning costumes, jaw-dropping choreography and a terrifically talented cast all combine for one of the best experiences you’ll have at the theatre.
Where to start? Well, when the show opens with an introduction by film, stage and TV legend Angela Lansbury – who played Mrs Potts in the original animated film – you know you’re in for a magical treat.
The sets are outstanding. From the magnificence of the Beast’s oppressive castle with its moving pewter scrollwork to the vibrant provincial French village and the rowdy pub, you’re drawn in to the enchanting world of Beauty and her Beast.
The costumes are superb. The Beast is imposing in his Thrilleresque make-up and leathers and there’s an audible intake of breath from the audience when Belle appears in her iconic yellow ballgown.
The costumes of the inanimate objects magically brought to life – teapot, candelabra, pendulum clock, feather duster and wardrobe - are jaw-dropping.
And what can I say about the musical sequences? From the opening number to the last, the choreography is simply outstanding and the spirited cast present bona fide showstoppers.
The rousing Gaston number in the bar featuring a large ensemble is a dynamic triumph and the iconic Tale As Old As Time, where Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom, sets hearts a-flutter throughout the auditorium.
Be Our Guest has to be one of the best routines you’ll ever see on stage. With vibrant, ever-changing sets, pyrotechnics, tap-dancing plates and an eye-catching candy pink backdrop, this exuberant Busby Berkley-style number is simply out of this world.
I’m a sentimental old bean and I admit to welling up at this point due to a mixture of the sheer spectacle of the number and the unbridled joy of finally being back in the theatre after all this time.
But, of course, it takes a fantastically talented cast to bring this spectacular show to life.
The Beast is played with a great mix of darkness and humour by Emmanuel Kojo and there is a lovely chemistry between him and Courtney Stapleton as the endearing yet feisty Belle. Stapleton is a triple threat who can sing, dance and act with top notch West End class.
Gavin Lee as Luminere and Nigel Richards as Cogsworth are another fabulous double act; motherly teapot Mrs Potts is played with genuine warmth and wit by 2003 X Factor winner Sam Bailey; Emma Caffrey’s feather-duster Babbette sparkles every time she shimmies on and Samantha Bingley plays the exuberant wardrobe with tremendous oomph and a powerful operatic voice to match.
This terrific ensemble bring a wonderful energy and camaraderie – as well as bags of talent - to the show.
Tom Senior gives a herculean performance as dim-witted, muscle-bound baddie Gaston. Louis Stockil as Le Fou puts in an excellent slapstick turn and Martin Ball is delightfully scatterbrained as Belle’s father, Maurice. A big shout out to the supporting cast of performers, too.
You’d have to have a heart of stone not to love this show. In addition to the breath-taking musical numbers, there are moving moments that move you, brilliant comic sequences and even magic and illusion with Chip the cup seeming to have no body as he’s pushed around on a trolley, Gaston throwing a plate which curves impossibly around the set and I honestly don’t know how the Beast’s transformation into a prince is achieved – it’s truly mesmerising.
There’s something for everyone. While I was tearing up, my nineyear son was in fits of laughter at Gaston and Le Fou while his twin sister sat spellbound by it all – the only time she moved was to clap and cheer with jubilant enthusiasm at the end of each number.
She wasn’t the only one. There was applause and cheering aplenty throughout the performance and a joyous standing ovation brought the night to a rousing close.
Disney’s Beauty and The Beast – you have to see it to Belle-ieve it!
At The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday.