Around 70 local children and teens starred in Barton Court Studio’s Beauty and the Beast Jr

FOREST Arts Centre recently hosted Barton Court Studios’ production of Beauty and the Beast Junior. The cast was made up of local youngsters aged between five and 18 who attend acting, singing and dancing classes at Barton Court Studios.

The sold-out venue provided the perfect platform for the young performers to step under the stage lights, many for the first time. All I can say is, wow what an enchanting performance it was. The entire production was of a quality that professional touring shows would be proud of, but this, was entirely and masterfully created on our doorstep.

Lead performer Laura Klima, (Belle) dazzled the audience with a stunning vocal performance, enhanced by a wonderful cast including Nyah Sills (Lumiere), Harrison Ryan (Cogsworth) who were fantastic at their comedy timing.

Joshua Sweet (Gaston) and Noah Deveney (Lefu) were a fantastic team, and the heart-warming talented duo of Mrs Potts and Chip were brilliantly played by Amelie Taylor and Phoebe Underwood/Lilly Biddle.

The menacing Beast was played by Jacob Clench who brilliantly revealed a warm humanity that lay beneath his character as the audience were swept along by the magical story.

The cleverly designed set and audio-visual effects transported the audience into the colourful world of Disney adding colour and an huge helping of theatre magic.

The extravagant and brilliantly designed costumes were complemented by some wonderful choreography which saw up to 70 performers on stage – a real celebration of local talent of all ages, showcased at a level that left the audience spellbound.

By the finale of the show, it was obvious the whole audience had witnessed a very special, enchanting and memorable production. This was aptly demonstrated by their rapturous applause, wrapping up a truly spectacular evening that was enjoyed by all.

Andy Daish