Captivating production of favourite fairytale

(Morning Star, Wednesday 22 December 2004)

Beauty and the Beast
Byre Theatre, St Andrews

A single red rose centre-stage opens tonight's magical fairy tale and, as the motif that holds the play together, it's the perfect introduction, writes KIRSTIE MAY.

Rita Henderson's direction has the cast making the most of a minimalist set, the introduction of a few key pieces changing the atmosphere from Beauty's light, happy family world to the darkness of the Beast, played to frightening effect by Tober Reilly.

Francis Maston is the merchant father who offers his children anything and manages only to get Beauty's rose, damning himself to certain death, while Nicola Filshie plays the selfless Beauty, sacrificing her own happiness for her father's freedom.

The sisters, Ruth Brown and Jessica Robinson, are the characters that push the play over into panto territory - all grimacing faces and screeching voices.

The prevalence of music and dance in the production helps as well with the festive feeling, including inventive routines with the Beast's menacing horse and some nice ensemble dances with Beauty's whole family.

There are some bizarre additions - Richard Hollis as Beast's "tick-tock" man servant has the allure of a Buttons character for children, but a nightmarish quality that should interest the adults in the audience.

All in all, the show is a well-executed and captivating interpretation of a fairytale favourite, carried off with The Byre's customary professionalism.