Show: Beauty and the Beast
Venue: Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Date: 14th March 2019
Company: Birmingham Royal Ballet
Choreography: David Bintley
Music: Composed by Glenn Buhr, performed by Royal Ballet Sinfonia
Principal dancers: Maureya Lebowitz (Belle), Yasuo Atsuji (The Beast), & Beatrice Parma (Wild Girl)
Based on the classic story we all know and love, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s take on Beauty and the Beast made for a rich and visually captivating performance. The show really is a feast for the eyes, its greatest strength being the sumptuous costume design, ornate set pieces, and moody lighting; all of which come together to create an atmosphere that feels entirely in-keeping with the story’s fairy tale origins.
Sonically, the show is also a hit. Buhr’s specially composed score is seamlessly performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Intricate and textured, the music has a timeless, whimsical quality, honouring the extensive history of the narrative. As for injecting something new into proceedings, that’s where the choreography comes in. Though it is playful and original, the heavy leaning towards storytelling over conventional dance means there are a few moments in which the pace drags. When the show hits its stride, however, it’s an arresting experience, the second Act in particular really showing off the quality of the production across all departments.
Production shots, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Each member of the company did a good job with what they were given, and a couple of the big group routines were excellent. The standout individual performer was undoubtedly Beatrice Parma as the vixen-turned-woman. Her movement fused classical ballet with a strange vulpine quality. Her entire presence on stage was enigmatic and compelling.
Having seen a fair few ballets in my time, I can’t say this one ranks amongst the best, but it’s well worth catching during its UK tour if you have the chance. The recognisable story and approachable presentation make it accessible for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Do you think that the familiar story line slowed down the dancing? The Disney movie has the famous dance with Bell in her yellow dress and the “Be Our Guest” song, but unless the rest was done carefully, I can see ho wit wouldn’t lend well to the story.
The story was much closer to the original fairy tale rather than the Disney version, so there was no singing furniture etc., lol. I think there was too great a focus on trying to create funny character moments for side characters (like Belle’s sisters feuding for attention), and that slowed things down a bit.
I didn’t know she had siblings in the fairy tale version. I’ve officially been Disneyfied.
I believe in the original version she was one of 12 siblings! Most revisions and retellings reduce this number considerably though 😋
Nice to see your thoughts on a ballet. I’ve only been to an Alvin Ailey production a few years ago but would enjoy going to a ballet in the future. I loved the show I went to since it was very diverse kinds of dance. There was a duet of ballet dancers that was so beautiful.
I’d love to hear your thoughts if and when you do get to one 😊