Review: Beauty and the Beast at the Festival Theatre

Step aside, dusty fairy tales – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical has roared back to life on the Australian stage with a production that’s equal parts spellbinding spectacle and heartwarming humanity. This new staging enchants from start to finish, but it’s the sparkling cast that truly makes it feel like magic. With a golden blend of powerhouse vocals, playful choreography, and nuanced performances, the cast breathes fresh life into this beloved beast of a classic.

At the centre of the enchantment is Shubshri Kandiah as Belle, who proves once again she’s the Belle of any ball. With a voice as pure as a snowflake and a fierce intelligence radiating from every line, Kandiah brings a modern grace to the book-loving heroine. She balances strength and compassion with such effortless ease, her Belle isn’t just beautiful – she’s brilliantly bound for greatness.

Brendan Xavier gives a deeply moving performance as the Beast, managing to growl, snarl, and still tug heartstrings. His transformation isn’t just physical – it’s emotional, and Xavier’s rich baritone and layered vulnerability ensure the Beast’s journey is just as stirring as Belle’s.

Rohan Browne’s Lumiere? Incandesc-ENTERTAINING. With sizzling charm and a French flair flamboyant enough to light up the whole theatre, Browne makes sure the audience is in for a    flame-ing good time. Paired perfectly with Gareth Jacobs’ delightfully wound-up Cogsworth, the duo delivers comic chemistry so tight, it ticks like clockwork.

Jackson Head pumps enough ego into Gaston to fill the entire village tavern – and then some. He’s gloriously grotesque in the best way possible, flexing his comedic muscles with gusto. His sidekick, Le Fou, played by Adam Di Martino, leaps into the role with athletic energy and impeccable timing, making him both hilarious and heartfelt – a true fool with depth.

The enchanted ensemble is in full bloom, with Jayde Westaby’s warm and wistful Mrs Potts delivering a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that steeps the audience in nostalgia. Hayley Martin’s Babette flutters flirtatiously, Alana Tranter’s Madame hits all the high notes with operatic flair, and in a show-stopping moment of cu-tea, young Jared Bickerton as Chip proves small cups can serve up big charm.

Special kudos must go to South Australian standouts Nathan Stafford, Lewis Shilvock, and Ambrielle Payne, and the entire ensemble, whose work is nothing short of enchante-dancing. Their energy, precision, and presence help carry the show’s infectious spirit, scene after scene. It’s clear this enchanted castle has a few local treasures tucked inside.

The production design of Beauty and the Beast in Australia is nothing short of mesmorising. From the moment the curtain rises, audiences are swept into a storybook world brought vividly to life through spectacular set pieces, shimmering with detail and grandeur. The enchanted castle itself is a character in its own right – mysterious, magical, and ever-shifting—thanks to ingenious stagecraft and seamless transitions. Costume design dazzles at every turn, from Belle’s iconic golden gown to the ornate, whimsical flair of the enchanted objects, each piece meticulously crafted to evoke Disney’s signature sparkle.

The choreography bursts with life and personality, weaving seamlessly through breathtaking backdrops and lavish lighting that moves as fluidly as the tale itself. The orchestra soars, giving the beloved Alan Menken score the sweeping majesty it deserves, while the direction balances fairytale wonder with emotional depth, never missing a beat in tone or tempo.

In short, this Beauty and the Beast isn’t just a tale as old as time – it’s a visually spellbinding triumph, a love letter to theatrical magic. With spectacle in spades and heart at its core, this production invites you to be their guest – and you’ll be glad you said yes.

5 Stars

Lia Loves.