Beauty and the Beast

As Michael Bublé says, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and no Christmas is complete without a pantomime. Tea Tree Players have been carrying on this tradition for many years, fostering young talent and showcasing a lot of grown-ups as well!

The classic tale, written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, published in 1740,  has been given an update and includes topical references and even an hilarious COVID intervention to ensure the chase scene is socially distanced!

TTP’s innovation of the pre-show AV show is continued for this production and we enjoy a potted history of the ‘Players’ before the show and perhaps recognize some familiar faces and productions.

Particularly striking in this production is the scenic work, designed by Penny Phillips and executed by Damon Hill, Penny Phillips, cast and crew. A false proscenium arch decorated with roses sets the scene for the other locations; the country side, forest, village, castle and the hall of mirrors, all cleverly lit by Robert Andrews.

Husband and wife director team Penny and Mike Philipps understand this genre of and ensure all the classic elements of performance remain true to tradition i.e., a central narrator, the prince being played by a female actor, the dame being played by a male actor, the chase scene, the “they’re behind you” scene, audience participation and the ‘walk down’ at the conclusion are all there and played to the hilt!

Approximately half the cast are played by the Youth and Junior members of the company learning their craft and while all the refinement of their adult counterparts is not always there, the enthusiasm and energy certainly is. This is an investment in the future of amateur theatre by TTP and is to be commended!

Pantomimes always have a large cast and Beauty and the Beast is no exception. The narrator and oversize French poodle Felix is nailed by Zack Brittan. Complete with his Inspector Clouseau-like accent, Brittan charms the audience and ensures the pace never drops. His use of “Poodle Power!!!” has the audience on his side right from his first entrance.

Tim Cousin’s Ma is an audience favourite, complete with flaming red hair, flamboyant make-up and immaculate blue finger nails! His gives us a high energy performance, the highlight being the forest “walking” scene with Felix. He is everybody’s auntie in a red floral dress that is a triumph!

TTP regular Rhi Shapcott is the perfect bad-witch Malabelle, with just a touch of goth! She works the audience to perfection and we lap it up! Her audience participation scene with Felix in Act 2 is a highlight.

There can be no Beauty and the Beast without the beast himself and Clinton Nitschke does not disappoint! His deep resonant voice adds gravitas to the role. Nitschke captures the dilemma of a human being trapped in a monster’s body perfectly. His scene with Beauty in Act 2, begging her to look with her heart, elicits real sympathy with the audience.

Max Shapcott and Kristyn Barnes play the Prince and the Princess with the appropriate Disneyesque touch while Harrison Morris and Annika Barry give us the alternate love story charmingly contrasted.

There are many minor principal roles, notably the furniture inhabitants of the Beast’s castle. I particularly enjoyed the dry humour of Theresa (Lily) Dolman’s Talking Clock and Magnus Phillips’ Rug and Candelabra. The rest of this cast of 23 play servants, snowflakes, servants and wolves and are an integral part of the ensemble musical numbers.

Any production of Beauty and the Beast requires specialized costumes and Jo Allenby and the Monday Club provide the necessary fairy tale appearance.

It may have been opening night nerves, but I found some of the actors hard to hear at times. Hopefully the projection will improve as the show runs in.

Beauty and the Beast is a delight for all ages and heralds the oncoming Christmas season!

Barry Hill