Beauty and the Beast: A Creepy Family Fairytale

Citizens Theatre in Glasgow presents Lewis Hetherington's inventive adaptation of an 18th-century fable, a rare family show that skillfully combines humor with genuine creepiness. The narrative unfolds with a certainty that allows for moments of laughter, highlighting characters like the denial-ridden Baron, the etiquette-focused Beauty, and her inventive sister.

The play delves into the Beast's transformation and the nuanced exploration of love's complexities—thwarted, unrequited, and misunderstood—rather than solely focusing on adolescent awakening. The staging by Dominic Hill and Joanna Bowman complements the fun and musicality with a serious, scary atmosphere.

Rachael Canning's dreamlike set design, featuring shifting staircases and deep perspective, enhances the gothic intensity. Lizzie Powell's lighting further amplifies the mood as the housekeeper reveals her "evil" intent, culminating in an interspecies quest for love's true meaning.