Beauty and The Beast
The Ladies’ College presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Something magical is happening at The Ladies’ College this coming December, as they stage their production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The timeless fairy tale, brought to life with Disney music, is sure to have everyone joining in with their favourite musical number by the end of the night.
If you are not familiar with the story it follows a young woman called Belle, who becomes imprisoned in a magical castle, in which the inhabitants are slowly turning into inanimate objects and which is overseen by the tyrannical Beast. Over the course of the musical, Beast and Belle learn to accommodate each other and eventually fall in love, lifting the curse which made some of the servants into clocks or candlesticks, and restoring the Beast to his princely self.
Jasmine, one of the young women who play Belle says, “It’s really exciting working on a musical like this. I love singing and acting – Belle is a great role: she interacts with all the different characters – from Gaston, to her father and then the magical characters.”
“Absolutely,” says Amandine, who also plays Belle on alternate performances, “Belle has to play a variety of emotions in the play – it's a challenge, but great fun.”
With around 50 in the cast, as well as a live orchestra, this has been a big project from the outset – and it’s not just the role of Belle that is played by different students on alternate performances.
“There were so many students who wanted to be involved with the production,” says Head of Drama, Mrs King, “that several of the parts are double cast, including Beast and Mrs Potts, so as many people as possible could have a main part. We also have a very strong Ensemble, with some great character parts and fabulous singing and dancing. There are students involved from Year 7 – Year 12, so it’s a great mix of ages and it’s lovely to see them pulling together as a team to produce their best work – and have great fun in the process.”
The production also includes four students from Elizabeth College, two of whom are returning from last year’s sell-out musical “Little Shop of Horrors’. George, who plays Gaston says,
“It’s fantastic work with The Ladies’ College – staff and students. It’s great to work with different directors, who have different rehearsal techniques and a great opportunity to mix with other students, who I wouldn’t normally get to spend time with.”
But the collaboration doesn’t end there – with some of the dance choreography this year having been done by the students themselves; a very impressive attribute to this production. Upper Fifth student Jenny, and Lower Sixth student Emily, have been two of those responsible for some very accomplished choreography for this large cast.
“It’s great to see some of our students take the lead with what they do best and share this talent with others,” says Maggie. “As a director, I’ve been very lucky to have that kind of skill set available – the choreography is very accomplished; I am very proud of all the talents that are being used to make create this production – from both the students and staff.”
Mr Cheshire, who recently joined the Drama Department at The Ladies’ College, is also directing the show, “This is the first show I’ve worked on at The Ladies’ College and it’s fab to see these students working together so well – they're having loads of fun and creating something really magical.” Deputy Principal Mr Henderson completes the line up as the production’s Musical Director.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be performed in The Ladies’ College main hall from Wednesday 4th December through to Saturday 7th December. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 12th November and can be purchased from the Senior School Reception by emailing: events@ladiescollege.ac.gg or calling 721602 – but be quick, they are sure to sell out fast, as the cast and crew invite you to ‘Be Our Guest, be our guest, be our guest…!’
UPDATE 19/11
We have been delighted with the amount of interest in tickets for our production of 'Beauty and the Beast' and are now sold out for all performances.
We are happy to take requests to be held on a waiting list and should any tickets become available then we will work through the list accordingly with a view to releasing any waitlisted tickets on Friday 28 November and Monday 2 December.
We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank you to all for your continued support 
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