Beauty and the Beath, Theatre Royal

May 30 2007 By Angela Upex, The Evening Chronicle

The classic fairytale is now in its tenth year as a musical and last night North East audiences were wowed by dancing teacups and spoons.

The production retains the wonderful score of the film and all the lovable characters.

The plot recalls the classic fairytale of the prince cast under a spell after his shallowness leads him to send away a sorceress he deems too ugly.

His terrible looks make him want to stay in the castle and not venture outside its walls.

He must love and be loved before the last petal falls from the rose or he will be a beast forever.

Into his life comes beautiful Belle. Can she melt his heart and see through his façade in time?

The staff of his castle have a vested interest in the outcome. Under the spell, they have been turned into various items such as candlesticks, a teapot, a clock, and a feather duster.

My four year-old daughter, dressed as an honorary Belle, was transfixed by the story and my six year-old was equally impressed.

The sets for the show are wonderful but simple and the costumes for the household staff are also amazing.

Mrs Potts is a large teapot, Cogsworth a clock, and Lumiere lights up the `candles' on his left and right at various times in the show.

Belle (Ashley Oliver) is breathtaking and the Beast (Mathew Camelle) scared the kids every time he roared and thoroughly moved the audience with his songs.

And the overall singing is lovely too. The best scene is the Be Our Guest song. It was great fun and even had fireworks. I judge any show by how long the children stay still and they didn't move. Therefore it was a great success.

Essentially this is a show for the young at heart. My kids loved it but I would recommend this show to everyone.

The music is great, the design and special effects are wonderful, and the story itself is intriguing and keeps your attention.

This is a great show for the entire family.