With just over two weeks to go until opening night, the final touches are being made to Bridgnorth Endowed’s production of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast.
Rehearsals are now ramping up as the entire cast is assembling at weekends for run-throughs of the whole show, to concentrate on perfecting scenes and pulling everything together.
The main dress rehearsal is set to take place on Friday 20th March, when some of the principal characters from Beast’s castle will get the chance to test-drive their spectacular costumes for the very first time.
As the story centres around a curse that transforms the Prince into a hideous beast and his servants into household items, this presents quite a challenge, not only for the actors, but also for costume design.
Some of the more complex costumes, such as Cogsworth the clock and Mrs Potts the teapot, have been hired but many were made by talented dressmaker, Annette Edwards, who has been making costumes for almost 50 years and tirelessly supports the school show every year.
Stage props have also provided some head-scratching moments for the team and the skills of the Design Technology Department were drafted in to create a ‘woodcutting contraption’ used by the father of lead character, Belle.
Team effort is, without a doubt, the key to success for the annual show and the Creative Arts Department, together with the cast and other contributors spend many, many hours making sure everything is spot on for audiences.
Show coordinator, Miss Deana Edwards, said: “Everyone is working so hard to make Beauty and the Beast a big hit. We have a very dedicated production team and our students are enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. We’re all really looking forward to an exciting show week.”
The show opens at Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre for an evening performance on Thursday 26th March and runs for two consecutive days. Tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £5 for concessions, and are available to buy online or from the Leisure Centre and School Reception.
Cast members (left to right): Lily-Mae Childs (Chip), Hannah Tranter (Mrs Potts), Lucy Leith (Belle), Ben Arch (La), and Dewi Arch (Fou).
