Beauty and the Beast
27th November 2009 - 16th January 2010
Mirror Tent, MINI Plant Oxford
Introduction
Creation once again brought the stunning Mirror Tent to Oxford, working in partnership with MINI Plant Oxford. Cafe M Creperie made delicious gourmet crepes available to enjoy at cabaret style tables as the story of Bella and the Beast unfolded in the centre of the auditorium.
An amazing puppet head with glowing eyes, operated by actor John Dorney, created the illusion of the imposing Beast. As the heroine began her quest to save her father following his pact with the Beast, numerous foreign lands were visited, a magic rose changed colour, and many songs were sung with the aid of a musician playing live throughout the show.
The story is well known and well loved, but this interpretation illuminated the interesting point that not only does Bella have to overcome her initial disgust of the ugly Beast, but the Beast has to overcome his initial perceptions of her too….
Reviews
“…you feel as if you have been transported to fairyland.”
The Guardian
“a perfect piece of winter theatre”
The Stage
Artistic team
Director – Sarah Punshon
Cast
John Dorney – Beast/Jack
Jack Merivale – Live Musician/Tom
Paul Mundell – Dad/ Guiseppe
Sarah Price – Bryony/ Catrina
Susie Riddell – Holly/Magda
Laura Sanchez – Bella
Understudies
Tom Greaves – Male Understudy
Katie Don-Hughes – Female Understudy
