Staffordshire PSSA Members Bring A Fairy Tale To Life...

What better way to while away a damp, misty November afternoon than to lose yourself in a fairy tale? A trip to watch the youngsters from Stone’s PSSA (Pop School and Stage Academy) breathe life into the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty & The Beast’ last weekend certainly didn’t disappoint.

Taking the stage at the newly refurbished Mitchell Memorial Theatre in Stoke the talented cast, whose ages range from 3 – 18, gave a polished and professional performance beyond their years.

The school’s ‘Little Luvvies’, aged from 3 – 8, opened the show with a rendition of classic Disney songs which they performed dressed in fairy tale costumes; helping to build atmosphere and provide a real ‘ahh’ factor. With the audience well and truly warmed up, the main cast took to the stage and a clever set, which seamlessly transformed from French provincial town to crumbling enchanted castle, combined with breathtaking costumes, immediately transported the whole theatre into fairy tale land.

The star-crossed leads were particularly impressive; with 17 year-old Lauren Battersby giving a pitch-perfect vocal performance as Beauty while Grace Pennington, also 17, was excellent in her challenging role as the tormented Beast. There were many more stand-out performances; including Gaston who, with side-kick Lefou, displayed excellent comic timing whilst the dandy candlestick-cum-footman, Lumiere and the stuffy mantle clock/butler Cogsworth, were particularly noteworthy. Meanwhile, the comely Mrs Potts, the very cute Chip, the extravagant Wardrobe and vivacious Babette all gave very polished performances.

Backed by an excellent chorus the main musical numbers were undertaken with great aplomb to make this a truly all-singing, all-dancing performance. Overall, the considerable talent on display combined with the professionalism of the costumes and production made this an afternoon of pure escapism and a brilliant bit of entertainment for the whole family.