Birmingham Royal Ballet Presents
Beauty And The Beast
Sunderland Empire
Thursday 28th – Saturday 30th March 2019
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| The
Ball Scene, Artists of Birmingham Royal Ballet; Photo: Bill Cooper |
Creatives:
Music:
Glenn Buhr
Choreography:
David Bintley
Designs:
Philip Prowse
Lighting:
Mark Jonathan
Conductor:
Paul Murphy
Leader:
Robert Gibbs
Cast:
Belle:
Karla Doorbar
The
Beast: Mathias Dingman
Vanité:
Céline Gittens
Fière:
Laura Purkiss
The
Merchant: Valentin Olovyannikov
Monsieur
Cochon: Tom Rogers
Wild
Girl: Laura Day
Raven:
Lachlan Monaghan
Woodsman:
Rory Mackay
Bailiff:
James Barton
Grandmere:
Beatrice Parma
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| Photo: Bill Cooper |
The
Birmingham Royal Ballet have returned to Sunderland with a ballet that their
Director David Bintley jointly created with Canadian composer Glenn Buhr back in
2003. It takes a classic fairy tale and brings it to life through movement and
fabulous live music from Royal Ballet Sinfonia that extends in to the stalls.
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Photo: Andrew Ross
|
As the
curtain is raised it is clear that we are in for a treat. The show looks sumptuous
– the sets and costumes really look the part. Perhaps, less obvious, is a
lighting design that enables castles and old houses to look dark and yet for
the action to be well lit. This show feels the part before a single step is
danced.
 |
| Photo: Bill Cooper |
The
other good news is that the story is closer to the classic version I recall
from reading the Ladybird books back in the day rather than any Disney film. Whilst
a number of pantos with this title may have fallen into that trap, this show
thankfully does not feature any dancing teapots and sticks to the plot. In fact,
one of the highlights is when Raven Lachlan Monaghan leads the bigger ensemble
into a murmuration of the birds. Nature is better than crockery.
 |
| Photo: Roy Smiljanic |
So,
what happens in this version? A cruel Prince is cursed for hunting a Vixen
turning him into the Beast. Some time later a Merchant, with some cashflow
problems, heads off to meet up with his ships. He gets robbed during a storm
and takes refuge in a castle. The following morning his trunk is returned –
filled with gifts – but he still steals a rose for his youngest daughter Belle.
This theft upsets the Beast who demands to meet Belle in return for her father’s
life. The Merchant heads off home to break the dreadful news.
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| Photo: Roy Smiljanic |
Our
interview with one of the BRB’s dancers Brandon Lawrence highlights some of
the common myths about ballet. I know the first time I took my son to see the
BRB that we were the only lads in the circle of the theatre. Just like last
year, a much more mixed audience was present tonight. The other big
misconception is that you need to know about ballet in order to follow the
action. This is not the case in my opinion. This production of Beauty and the
Beast is a well told story that is easily followed. The programme helps explain
the action if you were unsure. It is an accessible show – when Beatrice Parma’s
Grandmere starting performing during a dance, there was natural laughter from
the audience as it was a funny scene.
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| Photo: Caroline Holden |
This
is not one of those shows with tutu wearing ensembles dancing randomly in
circles all of the time. It is a story, with a clear narrative that relies on a
very talented cast including principals such as Karla Doorbar as Belle and
Mathias Dingman as the Beast. It has some nice touches of theatre magic as the
Vixen turns into the Wild Girl thanks to the Woodsman.
It is
also not too long for younger audience members to enjoy – two 47 minute acts
separated by an interval help keep the show crisp. It has a good feel and the
story moves along with a reasonable pace. Beauty and the Beast is a nice
evening at the theatre that is suitable for the family.
Review
by Stephen Oliver
Tickets:
Birmingham Royal
Ballet - Class On Stage
Ever wondered
what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance?
This is your chance to watch an open Company class on stage and find out. Tickets for Birmingham Royal
Ballet - Class On Stage: http://bit.ly/BRBclassSund #Ad
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