Jávea Players: Beauty and Beasties

Who can forget the stunning musicals My Fair Lady and Oliver! performed by Jávea Players? The next ‘wow’ show is Beauty and the Beast. Don’t be deterred by it being a fairytale: the music is fabulous with several new actors and singers, plus the set, costumes and special effects are amazing.

Belle, is played by Arabella Wallace, who was introduced to theatre, music and dance from an early age, starting with Mary in the school Nativity play. Since her first foray with the Players in 2021, she’s been equally comfortable playing comedy [Elvira in Blithe Spirit], the knife-wielding killer in The Long Road, and was in two Pantos this year, one with Maskeraid. She also was an extra in a Netflix France series called Néro in 2024. She admits: “I like to have peace and quiet before each performance, to get into character”. Her dress is a closely guarded secret, so you’ll just have to come to see the show!

Roger Brown left England over a decade ago, where he was actively involved in amateur theatre for over thirty years and has taken part in more than 100 productions as performer, technician and director. His first love is musical theatre, and he has played many leading male roles, some of his favourites being Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Anatoly in Chess, Daddy Warbucks in Annie.

“I feel sure I got the part because they needed someone big and ugly, who could sing a bit! I’m sure to lose weight as I’m going to sweat buckets under the mask and makeup. Seriously, though, the challenge of the song ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ was the motivation to play the Beast. It’s a real blockbuster with a big range, both emotionally and musically.

David Bouso hails from Madrid where theatres in the Gran Via aroused his interest in musicals. His passion for singing started as a chorister, but moved to other genres, including all the Disney songs. “On moving to Alicante, I expanded my repertoire to pop music, even gospel, and have performed solo numbers with various choirs. It was fantastic to discover Jávea Players. Acting is a lovely challenge and despite my experience of singing on stage, I’ve had to learn new skills with the help of mates, musicians, choreographers and the director. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m enjoying the role of Gaston [who wants to have his wicked way with Belle], a character with more layers than at first glance.”

The co-Directors are Cherry Cabban and John McDonald, with musical direction by Aileen Lightfoot and choreography by Kate Sutton and Alee Reed: the show will leave you spellbound.

Applause is also due for the many, unseen people behind the scenes who have been beavering away for months i.e. the Workshop team which devised and built the ingenious set, the Wardrobe ladies who have worked wonders making the costumes and those responsible for the spectacular special effects props not forgetting the bar, front of house and publicity volunteers.

Beauty and the Beast, 2nd -7th May, Unión Musical in Gata at 7.30pm with a matinée on Sunday. Tickets are priced at €20 and with Gala Night on 2nd May sold out, it’s best not to delay and buy your tickets now! A coach is available for the matinée leaving from Jávea and Moraira. For full information see: www.javeaplayers.com.