Audience wowed by a monster of a show

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Palace, Manchester)

THERE was always going to be a fairytale ending for the audience watching this musical.

Disney fans are a hardcore bunch and the audience were quickly screaming and swooning as their favourite characters played out the tale of love conquering all and real beauty coming from inside.

This production is based on the hugely popular, Oscar-winning animated feature film released in 1991.

Along with fairytale stalwarts Belle and the Beast is a list of cartoon characters including Lumiere, Mrs Potts and Chip, without which this stage version would not be complete to modern eyes.

This slick production succeeds in mixing elements of pantomime, film, cabaret and slapstick along with traditional theatre.

Ben Harlow plays Gaston, the egotistical, muscle-bound hero determined to marry Belle, and revels in his cartoon villain role.

Matthew Camelle, who plays the Beast, brings a humorous and human touch to the roaring creature, although his subtle love songs were lost on the easily-bored youngsters.

But what this production does best is its lavish sets, glittering costumes and spectacular numbers, most notably the full-on sparkling rendition of “Be Our Guest” complete with indoor fireworks and glittery costumes.

Coupled with a dramatic aerial transformation of the Beast, the thrilled audience were clapping before the finale song was over.

Great family fun.