As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending The Philip Morant School and College production of Beauty and the Beast Jnr on Thursday 12th February 2026. It was a joyful and enchanting celebration of musical theatre, talent, and community spirit. From the moment audience members arrived, it was clear this was a fully pupil-led theatrical experience. Students warmly welcomed guests at the doors, checking tickets with confidence and professionalism, while others sold programmes and refreshments. This inclusive approach immediately created a sense of pride, ownership, and excitement, setting the tone for an evening that showcased not only performance skills of pupils at The Philip Morant School and College, but their teamwork, responsibility and initiative.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is a magical musical based on the hit Broadway show and Oscar-winning film. With well-loved songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, plus new additions by Menken and Tim Rice, this adaptation brings the classic tale to life for a younger audience. The story follows Belle, a bright and curious girl living in a quiet village, and the Beast, a prince who’s been cursed and transformed into a monstrous creature. The spell can only be broken if he learns to love and earns love in return – but time is running out. If he fails, he and everyone in his castle will remain under the curse forever.
The production opened with a striking visual: a large LED screen displaying the show’s logo. This screen proved to be an inspired technical choice throughout the performance, allowing for smooth, cinematic transitions between scenes by projecting images of different locations, keeping the pace lively and the storytelling clear. Most impressively, it brought theatrical magic to life when used as the Magic Mirror, showing the audience the visions unfolding before the characters. The enchanted rose, glowing with an otherworldly light, became a beautiful focal point that added to the atmosphere of wonder and reminded the audience that time was running out for the Beast to break the spell. Combined with thoughtful lighting and sound design, the effect was truly enchanting.
The Creative Team also made excellent use of the performance space. One particularly memorable staging choice involved using the auditorium stairs as an additional entrance route. This creative decision heightened audience engagement and built anticipation. This was especially true during the iconic moment when Belle made her grand entrance in the famous yellow ballgown, gliding down the stairs and through the audience before reaching the stage. The reaction was immediate awe and delight. It was a magical theatrical moment that fully captured the romance and spectacle of the story and was an excellent homage to the original moment in the film.
Ellie, in the role of Belle, delivered a charming and heartfelt performance. She brought a sweet softness to the character, paired with strong, clear vocals that carried beautifully throughout the auditorium. Opposite her, Tristan’s Beast was impressive both vocally and physically. His commanding presence effectively conveyed the character’s anger and isolation, while his gradual softening created a believable emotional journey that made the transformation both touching and satisfying. Together, they created a beautiful “Tale as Old as Time”.
Gaston, played with skill by Max, was full of larger-than-life energy and excellent comic timing. Max’s ability to play directly to the audience added humour and charisma, while his chemistry with Jesse’s loyal and enthusiastic Le Fou created many laugh-out-loud moments. Together, they captured the heart of the villainous duo in a truly Shakespearean-esque style of comedic relief.
Among the enchanted household characters, Violet “shone” as Lumière, delivering a confident performance complete with a convincing French accent and she literally lit up the stage every time she entered! She was particularly impressive during the show-stopping “Be Our Guest”; a number that sparkled with energy and precision. Amelia’s Cogsworth provided a strong counterbalance, confidently commanding the stage and keeping the other characters in line with delightful authority.
Orla’s Mrs Potts and Imogen’s Chip shared a warm and believable mother-child connection, bringing genuine tenderness to their scenes together. Their performance of “Tale as Old as Time” was especially moving, delivered with sincerity and emotional depth. Dylan brought great humour and confidence to the role of Belle’s father Maurice, embracing the character’s eccentricity and earning plenty of laughs through his willingness to play up the comedy.
The ensemble played a vital role in bringing the enchanted world to life. Their expressive reactions, strong movement, and commitment to character helped drive the story forward. Nowhere was this more evident than in “Be Our Guest”, which proved to be a true showstopper. The lively choreography – including energetic can-can sequences and the theatrical presentation of Belle’s dinner – showcased the group’s enthusiasm and talent. Their enjoyment of performing was unmistakable and infectious.
This production was a triumph of inclusivity, creativity, and student achievement. Every aspect – from front-of-house responsibilities to technical design and performance – reflected a production where students were given the opportunity to contribute, grow, and shine. The result was an uplifting and enchanting evening that captured the magic of musical theatre and demonstrated the power of giving young performers the stage.