Greenwich Theatre presents a brand-new musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast featuring an astonishing cast of actor-musicians and an unforgettable original score with its roots planted firmly in English folk and blues.
Running from 2-25th August 2025 Tue – Thu at 2pm / Fri – Sat at 1pm + 5pm
We caught up with director James Haddrell (L) and resident musical director Michaela Murphy to hear more…
Q: What can people expect from this version of Beauty and the Beast?
JH: Like most people I had a rough idea of the story, or at least one version of the story, of Beauty and the Beast, and a lot of that came from Disney. However, our writers have gone back over the many versions that have survived until now, right back to Ancient Rome, to come up with their own composite version, which draws on many of the old versions, nods to Disney (though no talking teapot here) and features their own audacious final twist.
MM: I think people can expect to be blown away by the versatility of our cast. They sing, they act, they play the entire score live, they move and above all, they do their utmost to make sure the audience are welcomed to share their tale. This is a touching story of bravery, kindness and silliness which will definitely make people smile!
Q: With final rehearsals just around the corner, what has been the hardest thing about making this show?
JH: The challenge with presenting Beauty and the Beast now is that, whatever the nature or motivation for the curse which the Beast endures, his happy ending is inextricably linked to a change in his appearance. Notions of ugliness underpin the story, and ironically even if Belle can see past them, the story itself can’t. The most famous upending of that structure must be Shrek, with Princess Fiona’s happy ending seeing her transformed into an ogre, but that’s been done, so our challenge was to find another take on the story which reconsiders that notion of ugliness or beastliness – and our writers Sidonie Welton and Brad Tutt have pulled off something special that stays true to the original story but focuses on the curse of public opinion.
MM: Since arriving in the rehearsal room, one of the hardest aspects in bringing everything together is the particular step in the actor musician process where the music has been learnt, the vocal lines have been learnt and then the choreography is thrown into the mix. It’s a little bit like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. It takes some repetition to get all the elements in harmony! And then not to forgot to tell the story on top!
Q: How would you describe the music?
MM: I think the music (by our amazing composer David Haller) is a really fresh, joyous and fun accompaniment to this retelling of a well-loved story. It’s a cleverly written score where the genre of the music shifts according to character and to the situations they find themselves in. Each character has a specific motif or style that suits their personalities which makes the music an easy to link to the story but also is so varied. There are elements of folk, pop, contemporary Musical Theatre and jazz with some wacky, comedy moments.
Q: Tell us about the cast…
JH: For this show we are delighted to welcome Panto favourite Louise Cielecki as Belle, surrounded by an astonishing company of actor musicians. Ed Tunningley (Choir of Man, West End & US) plays the Beast, with Tony Mooney (Scott & Bailey, Hollyoaks) as Belle’s father, Inés Ruiz (Run to the Nuns, Riverside Studios) and Lucy Mae Carpenter (in her professional debut) as Belle’s sisters. As well as taking on MD duties, Michaela (Cassie and the Lights, Edinburgh / Vaults) also plays Coco’s love interest Hugo.
Q: And finally, why are fairy tales important?
JH: I think, in the same way that theatre is special because it offers a shared experience, fairy tales are important because they allow children to have a shared frame of reference when looking at the world. Whatever else competes for their attention and draws them in different directions, fairy tales unite them. Most children in this country will know versions of Red Riding Hood or Cinderella or The Three Little Pigs, which gives them a shared understanding of good and bad, of magic and adventure, and of the wonder of storytelling itself.
MM: Fairy tales allow people to dream – and they show you that dreams can come true; that dreams are within reach if you are determined and have the bravery to follow your heart; that having courage can be difficult but that it’s important to have hope and to find joy. Fairy tales show the confidence that can be found in trying to achieve a goal even if the journey to achieve that goal can sometimes come at a price. They are neither fully all good nor all bad. They show hardness and struggle, that characters have to fight and battle against obstacles that are in their way. They are a source of comfort for many, both young and old. Fairy tales are stories that have a happy ending and right now, I believe the more happiness we can have in our hearts and give to others, the nicer the world would be!