Tattenhall Amateur Dramatic Society has celebrated 20 years of treading the boards.
Demand for tickets for TADS’ anniversary production of the pantomime-style Beauty & the Beast were in such demand that an extra matinee performances had to be added to the January schedule.
With more than 200 members, the cast list included more than 80 stars (60 of whom were under 16) a live band and a support crew of at least 20.
The society has provided regular live theatre in a rural community offering development opportunities for young people in performance, directing, sound and lighting and raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Nick James' review
Nick James reviewed the latest production. He said: “Hannah Bennett as a perfect Belle, sang and danced her way through the Fearsome Forest, resolutely standing up to the likeable Beast (Steve Williams) who masterfully played with the audience’s emotions as he transformed into the elegant Prince – expertly performed by Greg James, who was also co-director.
“The romantic scenes were finely broken up by the brash confidence of Gustave (Matt Lee) and the bearded Dave Marshall as panto Dame leading the line with a perfect mix of scripted comedy and hilarious ad-libbing.
"Catherine Bryant as the evil Belladonna and Phil Rouse as Belle’s father interacted with the audience superbly, whilst Dave Gardiner and Michele Payne Gill as Beauty Parlour assistants raised the roof with their attempts to improve the looks of the Ugly Sisters (Eileen Reisin & Julia Bona).
“The choice of Motown classics perfectly complemented the clever script, with particularly strong vocal performances from Aisling Swift and Kelly Stevens as Jacques and Flora the Fairy.
“This theatre group in the heart of the Cheshire countryside proves that in these days of ever-stronger digital media, there remains a place for live performance where everybody has the chance to shine and smile.
Plenty to look forward to then for another 20 years.”
