Davenant’s junior adaptation of Beauty and the Beast brought all the magic of Disney’s beloved musical to audiences of over 850, including two local schools, and did not disappoint. From the moment the curtains opened, the show transported the audience into the charming world of Belle, a book-loving young woman, and the Beast, a prince cursed to find true love before time runs out.

The cast, comprised of actors across years 7-13, showcased an impressive level of talent and energy. The lead roles of Belle, A Osborn and L Windust, and the Beast, G Koskinas, were beautifully performed and sung. Belle exuding warmth and independence while the Beast captured the depth of his character’s struggle. Lumière, E Lovell and A York, and Cogsworth, P Maust and I Judd, provided fantastic comedic timing, keeping the audience entertained with their witty banter and lively stage presence.

A Cheal and L Anemouri, as Gaston and Le Fou, were equally humourous and well executed characters, with the height difference being comedic genius. The musical numbers of ‘Gaston’ and ‘Mob Song’ were highlights of the show.

The enchanted objects, A Rumbelow, M Bentley, V Michl, R McGovern, P Watan, I Lester, C Taylor and F Simmance added vibrancy and enthusiasm to the cast. Creating a lively spectacle that was a crowd-pleasing ‘Be My Guest’ and a heart-warming ‘Human Again’. Gaining the audience’s sentiment with the heartfelt title song, ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

This followed through to all the supporting cast of ensemble, villagers, the very funny ‘les filles’ and narrators who handled all of the choreography, especially during the dining hall scene and in the tavern, was especially well-executed, and ones which the audience particularly enjoyed. The young performers acted all of the musical numbers with confidence, making the show a true delight to watch.

The set design was simple yet effective, transporting the audience from the quaint village to the Beast’s castle with a quick turn around. This was ably put together by Mrs P Allen, Mr T Beaumont and his set building team. The costumes were delightful, particularly the enchanted objects, assembled by Mrs P Allen, Mrs M Husted-Smith and the Christian Drama Resource Centre.

Many students took part behind the scenes, in making costumes and scenery, all of the production: sound, lighting and stage crew (lead by Mr Burns), being on the front desk, as CPA Ambassadors, making and selling merchandise and cakes. It was a true creative and performing arts team affair!

This production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. was an enjoyable performance that showcased the hard work and dedication of its young cast and performance teachers: Mrs Flanagan, Mrs Brooks and Mrs Tubb. The audience was thoroughly engaged, laughing at the humour and touched by the story’s emotional moments giving a standing ovation at the end. Whether young or old, everyone left reminded of the timeless lesson: true beauty lies within.