A beautiful bookworm. A hideous beast. And an enchanting love story.
It can only be Disney’s classic, Beauty and the Beast – which is coming off the big screen and onto a Dulwich stage in just a few weeks’ time.
The musical is the latest offering from the Quay Players, an amateur dramatics society celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. The 32-strong cast sing and dance their way through the high-energy show with panache, keeping the audience entertained at every turn.
Fans of the 1991 Disney film won’t be disappointed – it was adapted for the stage by Alan Menken, who wrote the original score, and all the familiar songs from the film still feature with a few new numbers thrown in for good measure. It’s no surprise that the musical adaptation has played to over 35 million people worldwide – songs like Be Our Guest are a joy to watch as they are brought to life onstage – only in Disney could choreography feature a cutlery cabaret and crockery doing the can-can!
The Quay Players - A strong cast of 32
For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman taken prisoner by a hideous Beast – who is in fact a young prince trapped in a spell. The Beast must learn to love and be loved in order for the spell to be broken and for him to be transformed back to his former self.
In adapting the film for the stage, the writers have worked hard to ensure there’s something for everyone in the audience. Children will be entertained by the classic love story and slapstick humour that feature in the film, and adults will find their own enjoyment in the subtle double-entendres which will sail over the youngsters’ heads but be of great amusement to the more mature members of the audience.
Whether a die-hard fan of the Disney film or just in the mood to watch a classic fairytale brought to life, the Quay Players’ Beauty and the Beast will not disappoint. A must-see for all the family, we defy you to come out of the theatre without a smile on your face and the warm glow that only Disney can deliver.
Beauty and the Beast is being performed at the Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College from 11-14 July 2012 at 19:30 (14:30 Saturday matinee). Tickets are £11/£9 (conc) and there is a BSL interpreted performance on 12 July. Please visit www.quayplayers.org.uk for further information and to purchase tickets.
