Disney specs-tacular has got the X Factor
Sam Bailey tells Post Life how Beauty and the Beast left her an ‘emotional wreck’
DISNEY’S beloved Olivier Awardwinning stage musical Beauty and the Beast opens tonight at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Re-imagined and re-designed in a completely new production staged by members of the original creative team, it features the spellbinding music of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Former X Factor winner Sam Bailey and musical theatre star Shaq Taylor play the roles of Mrs Potts and Beast in the production, and it’s fair to say both are fans of the 1991 classic Disney movie that the musical is based on
“I was definitely a fan of the film when I was younger,” says Shaq. “I remember watching it a fair few times in a row, just for how epic the action moments were when the Beast was involved.’’
“I’ve witnessed my own children obsess over Belle and this beautiful story,” says Sam. “They have both had the famous dress and felt like a princess. The sentiment behind this classic story resonates with me as it has inspired my girls to be strong and have dreams of their own.’’
She adds: “My favourite part of being Mrs Potts is that I get to tell this amazing story with a great cast, and hearing kids’ little chuckles in the audience really makes its special.”
Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway in April 1994 and remains among the top 10 longest running shows in Broadway history.
“It’s a tale as old as time,” says Shaq, referencing a song from the show. “It’s a love story that says anyone can love and be loved. It’s a piece of art that everyone and anyone can relate to, at any point in life, whether it’s resonating with the plot or seeing yourself in a specific character. It’s a story for all.”
The role of Beast is a complex one, with the character going through a transformation both emotionally and physically throughout the production.
“He goes from being completely stubborn, full of hate and being angry at himself and everything around him, seeing no way out - to finding self-love, love within someone else, hope for everyone else too. ‘‘It’s a difficult journey to portray within the time on stage, but a very rewarding and enlightening one to explore every night.”
The role of Belle is played by West End star Courtney Stapleton and
audiences may notice a new detail with the character that differs from the film, in that she wears glasses. It was actually Sam who inspired this new look for Belle, when she spoke to the bosses at Disney about making a film with a Disney princess who wears glasses, as her daughter is a wearer.
“Knowing how much this means to my daughter and many other children who wear glasses makes such a difference. I was an emotional wreck when my daughter came to me after the show screaming that Belle wears glasses – she said, ‘That means I’m a princess like her’. “I am lucky enough to watch Courtney sing Home every night from the wing. She is so amazing, and I just love the song. I feel it’s the first time you see how strong minded Belle is. I’m jealous that she gets to sing it and not me!”
Sam lives in Leicester so is no stranger to the city.
“Birmingham isn’t far from me and I love the city. I’m so happy that I get to be at home whilst preforming there, although I don’t think my bank account will like it as the shopping in Birmingham is very tempting!”
For Shaq, Beauty and the Beast will mark his debut performance in Birmingham, and he is looking forward to it. “I’ve actually never been to Birmingham so I’m looking forward to creating new memories there. I have heard amazing things about the Hippodrome.”
My daughter came to me after the show screaming that Belle wears glasses – she said, ‘That means I’m a princess like her’ Sam Bailey
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until March 26.See birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).