2020 has been an incredible year for so many different reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many different people in so many many areas, and one of the hardest hit has been the Arts. We have been incredibly fortunate to be able to put this show on in the way in which we had originally intended. There have been many challenges we have faced: the disappointment of postponing the show in May to cast members having to leave the show due to commitments in October, to moving overseas. Despite the setbacks the cast has been resilient, committed and passionate, all underlined with a sense of fun and enjoyment of the creative process. Elements which mirror the story and characters of Beauty and the Beast.
Everyone involved in the production has committed an incredible amount of time, effort, blood, sweat, tears and loss of sleep to have put on the show. The creative team could not have been more proud of the show which, together with the cast, crew and their families, we have put on.
The reaction from the limited audiences has also been staggering, “the show was easily one of the best I have seen in the last few years, and certainly the best school production I have ever seen. I understand that putting on a musical at a time like this must be difficult (and I can only imagine the number of sleepless nights endured by yourself and many others).” and “Youth theatre is incredibly powerful in teaching what I think are the most important life skills of taking responsibility and working cooperatively to achieve a greater good, with real rewards and consequences.”
The power of theatre, specifically musical theatre has been immense. Throughout the 2 1/2 year planning and rehearsal period (and one pandemic) musical theatre has been a calming and a healing force for all those involved.
With the current situation seeming to ease (at least in Australia) we are hoping that 2021 will bring more opportunities to celebrate the Arts at St Edmund’s and use the success of Beauty and the Beast as a springboard for the future.
Over two and a half years (and one pandemic) in the making, the cast and crew sincerely hope you enjoy one of Disney’s classic musicals Beauty And The Beast (2.0)
Nigel Palfreman
Head of Creative and Performing Arts