REVIEW: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Centerstage Productions Youth Theatre, The Point, Eastleigh (From Daily Echo)

REVIEW: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Centerstage Productions Youth Theatre, The Point, Eastleigh

2:16pm Monday 20th February 2012 in Curtain Call By Karen Robson

THIS ambitious new rendition of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast successfully mixed the charm of a traditional fairy tale with the pizzazz of a Disney spectacular.

An audacious, effects-laden production, it had an impressive multi-functional set, great use of projection and dazzling costumes.

Director Pete Harding created a clever, entertaining show that appealed to young and old alike and was illuminated by some skillful performances.

Jonny Moulson gave his most mature and nuanced performance to date as the swaggering baddie Gaston.

Joey Warne was a delight as his sidekick Lefou, exhibiting a mastery of physical comedy.

Beth Waters was perfectly cast as Belle, performing the role with charm and grace.

Patrick Bolton (Lumiere) and Holly Ind (Mrs Potts) were both excellent. And as the Beast, Taylor Davis was a revelation, with the most rounded performance in this role I have seen for a while.