Since 1740 versions of Beauty and the Beast have been performed worldwide. The themes of innocence finding inner strength against brutish adversity is one we all can relate to. Also to see the good in someone no matter what the exterior is another valuable lesson to teach.
Tonight’s dark take on these themes makes for brilliant viewing. We are greeted to the mirrored stage; grim and foreboding as the Danse Macabre sets the tone for the next two hours of viewing. The northern ballets production is of the highest standard with the performers delivering grace and physics defying spectacles with every movement.
The orchestra brings the emotion and suspense to the piece with an arrangement that heightened and complimented the drama we were seeing on stage. Prepare for a dark and almost gothic take on the classic story. No singing teapots and candle holders here, but the essence of love overcoming adversity (however spectacular) is still very much alive in this show.
Beauty and the beast runs until 5th of November, tickets available here:
www.trch.co.uk
Review by Adam Willis
