Sherlock Productions brought Beauty and the Beast, written by Joshua Clarke and Lewis Clarke to the Wesley Centre in Maltby, Rotherham. Musical Direction by Shelley Edwards, Technical by Steve Trotter, Front of House and Costume Design by Pauline Lister A night of family fun with the obligatory tongue-in-cheek humour and an all-inclusive cast steered by flair by first-time Director Jade Wilkinson.
Sherlock Productions was initially established in 2022 by Shelley Edwards and Jade Wilkinson to continue his work and honour their mentor and friend Paddy Sherlock after his sudden death. Sherlock Productions prides itself on providing a secure environment where everyone is welcome, and all are allowed to take to the stage whatever their experience and ability. A real community all-inclusive approach to theatre and the cast has grown in both size and confidence.
There was some lovely AV projection produced by Chantelle Edwards and this really added to the aesthetics of the production on such a small stage. Also, as Sherlock Productions choreographer, Miss Edwards does an effective job with a large cast, add to the aforementioned two things, Chantelle played Beauty on the Matinee – this young lady shows real dedication and commitment!
With two principal casts performing between the matinee and the evening performance, I was present at the evening show. The Beauty and the Beast had everything that is expected from a British tradition, audience participation, the ghost in the woods and the singalongs. Beauty was played well by Rachael Jackson; this young lady has a strong stage presence with a lovely singing voice and was secure in performance. Rachael is a good role model for the newer and less experienced members of the cast and her nurturing could be seen on stage. Beauty’s father Maurice was given a very animated and comedic depiction by Nyle Reilly – I hope his back feels better soon! Eleanor Hoyland has a beautiful singing voice and played the role of Fairy Fantastique with a growing confidence that will only gather momentum with time and exposure to an audience.
Holding the show firmly together was the husband-and-wife team of Martin Farthing as Dame Dolly and Joanne Farthing as Jack, the hapless son. There was plenty of toilet humour on display from Jack and Joanne was a strong, likeable, polished, and stabilizing presence on stage. Martin Farthing is an accomplished dame with great timing and effective sarcastic streak. Just the right amount of ‘masculine in a frock’.
Sam Bates depicted the Beast with command and handled the wig malfunction with admirable humour. Bates has a strong singing voice, and I hope to hear more of this in the future. Prince Adam was played by his name’s sake Adam Wigglesworth who sounded wonderful vocally.
If there were Most Improved Awards’, I would have to nominate these young ladies. Chloe Jenkinson who played a wonderfully evil Zorag. What confidence she has gained from the last Sherlock Productions show. She both looked and sang the role with great conviction and her singing is much more accomplished. Alex Ward as Lucien (Zorag’s henchman), her diction is impressive, this was a really secure and polished performance and believable too! Alicia Sherlock as Pots also gave a great performance and was in control throughout, her dialogue was secure, and she worked well as a duo with Becky Yelland as Pans. Although Abbie Edwards was in the chorus on the evening performance and not in role as Lucien, I really must mention her improvement in dance, she was obviously enjoying her dance role and never missed a beat!
It is evident to me; and a complete delight; to see the growth of the performers on stage from their last production. Sherlock Productions have a special ability to create magic on stage and not just at Christmas. This is an area of theatre that is so important both to its performers and their community and long do I hope it continues to grow. The whole team, both on the stage, the technical team and the creative team should feel very proud of what they have selflessly created. It brings a tear to my eye.
Sherlock Productions first full musical will be Legally Blonde, The Musical in June 2024 with auditions in January, If you are interested in joining this diverse group please contact Sherlockproductions@outlook.com for more information.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 14th December 2024
North West End UK Rating: