As a child my favourite Disney Princess was Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
I could identify with the young girl with big dreams.
I could understand Belle’s reprise:
‘I want adventure in the great wide somewhere
I want it more than I can tell
And for once it might be grand
To have someone understand
I want so much more than they've got planned’
So, with great excitement, I was invited to join the British Academy of International Arts production of Beauty and The Beast as Stage Manager/ The Beasts Chair/ Part Time Broom.
While in rehearsals - which I always hate as Stage Manager – it seemed that only the actors had everything down pat and there seemed no way the technical’s could be ready on time.
But with Alison Prices’ vision, the enthusiasm and professionalism of the actors, the addition of two great stage hands; Khalid and Dana and the sacking and subsequence replacement of the pathetic lightening guy (making a lighting and sound dream team including John, Eleni and Hazzem) – meant the show was beyond a success.
As you can see by Ian Butterworth’s photos the visual impact was spectacular, the performance was truely enchanting and while never being actually able to see the show – I was still transported into the world of Disney and by the audience reactions, they were too.
I am a fortunate person to have been involved in such an experience and I would like to thank all who were involved.
If any photos emerge of me in my costume – I promise to post them ;)
