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Newark Amateur Operatic Society’s autumn production of Beauty and the Beast will be on at the Robin Hood Theatre from Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 19




This autumn an award-nominated amateur acting troupe will perform one of the most beloved fairytales of them all, Beauty and the Beast.

Newark Amateur Operatic Society’s autumn production will be on at the Robin Hood Theatre next week, from Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 19.

The classic Disney story is a family favourite and the cast have been rehearsing hard all summer long following the spring production of Evita.

BELLE and BEAST (Emma Wighton and Sean Johnson). Photo: Newark Amateur Operatic Society.
BELLE and BEAST (Emma Wighton and Sean Johnson). Photo: Newark Amateur Operatic Society.

The main character Belle is played by Emma Wighton, in her second production with the society, joined by newcomer, Sean Johnson playing Prince Adam who becomes the Beast.

It comes on the back of last year’s National Operatic and Dramatic Association East Midland’s Best Musical nominated ‘Clue The Musical’, which was highly commended, and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ which was also nominated.

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, comprising 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, having directed the last three society productions.

The production will be directed by Justin Day, who said: “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.

“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”.

The cast of Beauty and the Beast includes (top) Andrew Beighton and Ollie Kirkwood as Cogsworth and Lumiere (middle) Sarah Leaton and Ruby Stephens as Mrs Potts and Chip, and (bottom) Roseann Edis, Jade Mulligan and Sarah Chrimes as The Silly Girls.
The cast of Beauty and the Beast includes (top) Andrew Beighton and Ollie Kirkwood as Cogsworth and Lumiere (middle) Sarah Leaton and Ruby Stephens as Mrs Potts and Chip, and (bottom) Roseann Edis, Jade Mulligan and Sarah Chrimes as The Silly Girls.

Musical direction is by Paul O’Leary who has worked with the society on numerous productions including leading the orchestra for Evita.

Alongside this, the society has just announced its two productions for 2025, that also happens to be its 90 th Anniversary year. The spring production will be ‘Shrek The Musical’, will be staged next March at the Palace Theatre Newark.

Then in the autumn comes their production of Calendar Girls The Musical, based on the film and stage play written by Tim Firth, who also worked on this musical version with Take That’s Gary Barlow to write the songs and music. This will be presented at the Robin Hood Theatre next October.

Society chairman, Rita Crowe “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 15 th October to Saturday 19 th October, nightly at 7.30pm, and the 2.30pm matinee show has already sold-out.

Tickets are available from the Robin Hood box-office at www.rhtc.co.uk or by calling 07733 179986.

Details for ‘Shrek The Musical’ are available on the NAOS Facebook and Instagram pages where you can also request an early bird booking form.



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