The musical started with video images of a story book and soon after seeing the rude prince turned into a beast we were greeted by the first song of the musical, Belle, introducing two of the stars of the show, Belle and Gaston.

Matthew Cammelle, playing the Beast, was excellent, and transformed going from scary and troubled, to caring and happy, while showing the Beast’s journey without it seeming rushed. Ashley Oliver, playing kind-hearted outsider Belle, was also well-received with applause accompanying every song she and, indeed, the rest of the cast sang.

Ben Harlow, playing the thoughtless buffoon Gaston, was undeniably the star of the show and was given the biggest cheer of the night. Showing the arrogance of Simon Cowell and the posing power of Johnny Bravo, he came across with humour and was greatly appreciated by the satisfied crowd.

The scenery and background changes were excellent and scenes showing the Beast moving from the inside of the castle to the balcony were creative and inventive. The final scene involving the Beast’s transformation back to a Prince was applauded generously.

All in all everyone who came along left satisfied and happy, and with the show set to stay until Saturday 18 August I would definitely recommend Beauty and the Beast as a fantastic experience that the whole family can enjoy.