Newark Amateur Operatic Society to stage Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Robin Hood Theatre, Averham
A family favourite and classic Disney story is to be brought to life by Newark Amateur Operatic Society.
Off the back of successful shows Clue The Musical and The Wizard of Oz — which were both nominated as National Operatic and Dramatic Association East Midland’s Best Musical — in a month’s time the society will perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, for its autumn production.
The cast have been rehearsing hard across the summer after being cast back in May, following the spring production of Evita.
Belle is played by Emma Wighton, in her second production with the society, joined by newcomer, Sean Johnson who plays Prince Adam who becomes the Beast.
Gaston and Lefou are played by William Dewick and Anthony Tallis. William has had many leads in recent years, including Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain and Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Anthony joined for Evita and steps up to be egotistical Gaston’s goofy sidekick.
The castle’s staff, caught in the Enchantress’ spell, comprise of Cogsworth, played by Andrew Beighton, in his second role with the society, following playing Juan Péron in ‘Evita’, Lumiere, played by Ollie Kirkwood, Mrs Potts and her teacup son, Chip, played respectively by Sarah Leaton and Ruby Stephens. Lucy Dale plays the French feather duster, Babette and Rosie McLaughlin the magical wardrobe, Madame de la Grande Bouche.
Belle’s father, Maurice, is played by Thomas Sargeant with long-time society member, Rob Hughes playing Monsieur D’Arque. Roseann Edis, Jade Mulligan and Sarah Chrimes make up the Silly Girls (La Filles de la Ville) with an ensemble made up of Lucy Brown, Sienna Brown, Abi Bayes, Rebecca Leggott, Dawn Stubbs.
Also popping up within the ensemble is Mike Follen, who directed the last three society productions and this production’s director, Justin Day.
“The autumn production is usually a smaller cast but we needed a couple of additional male vocals and cameo characters that Mike and I were able to pop up in”, said Justin.
“It has been such a fun show to direct. I have a fantastic cast and crew, and we are looking forward to presenting this piece of Disney magic to our audience.”
Musical direction will be by Paul O'Leary, who has worked with the society a number of times before, most recently as musical director for both The Wizard of Oz and Evita.'
The society has also just announced its two productions for 2025, its 90th anniversary year.
The spring production, Shrek The Musical, will have its launch at Barnby Road Academy on Monday, September 30, at 7.30pm where details for getting involved with the production will be given. The show will be staged next March at the Palace Theatre Newark.
The autumn 2025 production will be Calendar Girls The Musical, based on the film and stage play written by Tim Frith, who also worked on this musical version with Take That’s Gary Barlow — who wrote all the songs and music. This will be presented at the Robin Hood Theatre in October 2025.
Society chairman, Rita Crowe, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our audiences three exciting productions across the next year starting with Beauty and the Beast. As chairman, I am extremely proud of all our members, both those that perform on-stage and all that support off-stage too.
Beauty and the Beast will be on at the Robin Hood Theatre from Tuesday, October 15, to Saturday, October 19, nightly at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Robin Hood box-office at www.rhtc.co.uk or by calling 07733 179986.
Details for the launch and auditions for Shrek The Musical are available on the NAOS Facebook and Instagram pages where requests can be made for early bird booking forms.
