Beauty and the Beast Senior Plough Youth Theatre Plough Arts Centre, Torrington Review: Jo Wood

THE elixir of youth has long been sought after. Whatever that indefinable quality is, it was clear to full houses at the Plough, that Plough Youth Theatre have it in bucketloads. Every member of the cast was acting their socks off every moment they were on stage. It was hard to know where to look in case you missed anything as glitzy Busby Berkeley style numbers were brought to life in rather a small space.

To my surprise I found I knew almost every word of the sweetly magical Disney show, even though our video wore out years ago. I've always had a soft spot for the bookish heroine Belle, played by local girl Julie Allanah Brighten in the West End production.

The 'kids' in this show threw themselves into the well-loved fairy tale roles. Imogen John was truly the belle of the ball as the beautiful heroine with a voice full of character (I was conscious that any number of her co-actresses would have longed to fill her shoes).

The Beast, played solidly by Callum Binns, ruled over an eclectic household of curious objects, each wearing a complex and effective costume which must have restricted their movement considerably.

Araminta Pain, as Chip, spent the whole performance in a tea trolley with only her head showing! Steve Newman shone as the candlestick Lumiere, as did Jack Lea as the frightfully English Cogsworth the clock, and Libbie Turner as the motherly Mrs Potts. They're all going to have something intriguing to put on the CV.

Back in Belle's village home, I really warmed to the giggling trio of girls, Kayleigh Newcombe, Bryony Threadgold and Connie Harris, who simpered over gorgeous Gaston's every move.

A great double act developed between Gaston (Jack Bailey), who posed in his padded 'muscly' waistcoat, and sidekick LeFou, (Dexter Newman), who made a small role into a big deal. Another challenge for a young actor was playing the elderly Maurice, which Freddy Lawrence managed in eccentric style.

A versatile set, colourful costumes, and lots and lots of shiny props made this production a feast for the eyes. And I always love a happy ending — don't you?