Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 10 May 2025, Adelaide Festival Centre, SA
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has finally arrived at Adelaide Festival Theatre AND you know what?… it’s a dazzling spectacle that breathes new life into this beloved enduring tale with talented cast and crew that is over-flowing with nailed professionalism and exuberance. Running from May 10 to July 6, 2025, this reimagined production is a feast for the senses. So breathtaking, it makes you feel like you are seeing your first ever musical production. It sets a bar.
Beauty and the Beast the Musical
A Tale as Old as Time, Reimagined
This production reunites members of the original Broadway creative team, including director and choreographer Matt West, composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer Linda Woolverton. Their collaboration results in a fresh yet faithful rendition of the classic story, enhanced by stunning new sets, costumes, and cutting-edge technology .
“…a dazzling spectacle that breathes new life into this beloved enduring tale with talented cast and crew that is over-flowing with nailed professionalism and exuberance…”
– Markus Hamence
Stellar Performances
Shubshri Kandiah shines as Belle, bringing warmth and intelligence to the role, while Brendan Xavier delivers a powerful performance as the Beast. They are perfection with incredible chemistry that translates to us in the audience seemingly effortlessly. Top-notch, well studied, world class performers. In fact, the entire troupe are…
The supporting cast, including Rohan Browne as Lumiere and Gareth Jacobs as Cogsworth, adds charm and humor, making the enchanted castle truly come alive.
Jayde Westaby as Mrs. Potts, Jackson Head as Gaston, Adam Di Martino as Le Fou, Rodney Dobson as Belle’s father Maurice, Hayley Martin as Babette, and Alana Tranter as Madame… There are NO weak links in the production. Skilled and on-point actors that deliver ONLY heart and soul into their individual characters. Bravo 🙂
Musical Magic
Audiences are treated to all the beloved songs like ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’, ‘Human Again’ and, of course, ‘Be Our Guest’. The live orchestra and dynamic choreography elevate these numbers, creating moments of pure theatrical joy.
Inclusive and Accessible
In a commendable move towards inclusivity, a relaxed performance is scheduled for June 14, 2025, designed to accommodate audience members with sensory sensitivities. Adjustments include dimmed house lights, reduced sound levels, and designated quiet areas, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. How wonderful is this?! 🙂
A Few Personal Highlights
The Set That Made My Jaw Drop
From the moment it kicked freakin’off, I was spellbound. The castle glowed with an eerie, enchanted light, while the village scenes burst with warmth and rustic charm. There was one particular moment – during the show-stopping Be Our Guest – when the stage dynamically came alive with dancing cutlery and a chandelier (we all lovingly know this part) so grand it practically winked at the audience. It was theatrical alchemy and produced exceptionally. Only proving again, musical theatre is a whole new world of escapism that, lordy, we need right now.
“…the stage dynamically came alive with dancing cutlery and a chandelier (we all lovingly know this part) so grand it practically winked at the audience…”
– Markus Hamence
Costumes
The moment Belle stepped on stage in her blue provincial dress, I was hooked. Each costume was a feast for the eyes, dripping with detail and character. The enchanted objects – Lumiere’s gold-embroidered cuffs, Mrs. Potts’ porcelain sheen, Cogsworth’s ticking clock trim – were pure theatre magic. And when Belle appeared in that iconic golden ballgown? Audible gasps around the room. It shimmered like spun honey under the lights, turning the stage into a living fairytale. Every look felt thoughtfully crafted, period-perfect with a Disney twist, and made it impossible to look away.
Belle, Bold and Brilliant
Shubshri Kandiah’s Belle wasn’t just the sweet bookworm we know and love – she had ferocious fire. Her voice soared during A Change in Me, and her onstage chemistry with Brendan Xavier’s Beast was genuinely moving. There’s a quiet moment by the garden trellis – no spoilers – where time felt like it stood still. A true goosebumps kind of scene.
Xavier’s X-Factor
Brendan Xavier took the role of the Beast and didn’t only growl through it – he gave it layers. Real, raw emotion pulsed through his performance. You could feel the turmoil in every flick of his claw and the tenderness hiding behind those haunted eyes. His rendition of If I Can’t Love Her? Devastating in the best way. You could hear the audience holding their breath – powerful.
There was something super-human in his portrayal, which made the transformation all the more heart-tugging. Brendan’s Beast wasn’t just a tragic figure; he was relatable, broken, and ultimately hopeful. A standout in every sense. Brendan delivered, abundantly.
Lumiere & Cogsworth: Comedic Gold
Now let’s talk about Rohan Browne (Lumiere) and Gareth Jacobs (Cogsworth) – a comedy duo for the ages. Their timing was perfection, with every wink, sigh, and grumble landing just right. They had the audience laughing out loud, and somehow, between the chuckles, I found myself teary-eyed when the enchantment began to lift.
THAT Orchestra… Argh! My heart strings.
Full disclosure: I’m a sucker for a live orchestra. And this one? They brought Alan Menken’s score to life with such richness I swear I floated out of my seat during the title number. Beauty and the Beast never felt so full-bodied and cinematic. Excellent!
Final Thoughts
This production of Beauty and the Beast is a triumph, blending nostalgia with innovation. The visual effects and ever-changing sets leave you in awe. The actors are simply brilliant and embody their un-worldly like roles with over-flowing personality. The music, DIVINE!
Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, it’s a theatrical event not to be missed.
If you’re a fan of heart, spectacle, and a good old-fashioned fairytale, you need to be in that audience. Trust me – your inner child will thank you. An easy FIVE STARS!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Beauty and the Beast the Musical 10 May – 6 July 2025 Adelaide Festival Theatre Ticket link!
