It’s time to Be Our Guest!
Disney’s enchanting new musical, Beauty and the Beast, is now playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre, following a star studded opening night only moments ago.
This timeless tale has been brought to life on stage like never before in a breathtaking reimagined production.
Members of the original creative team have reunited on this enchanting musical featuring all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including “Belle”, “Gaston”, “Human Again” and “Be Our Guest”.
Beauty and the Beast is a much-loved classic that will fill the hearts of a new generation.
Today, the Toorak Times has the good fortune to have our lead photographer, Lord Murray Schoorman of Peak Hour Images attend the very glamourous opening night red carpet.
As the who’s who of Melbourne’s social scene spilled out of stretch limousines and Mercedes Maybach’s as far as one’s eye could see – the red carpet was adorned with red roses from corporate sponsor, Roses Only, multiple media wall backdrops for optimum photographic placement and in a very welcome move for Melbourne’s typical weather – all under a solid marquee to keep everyone dry.
Many in attendance were gob-smacked at how pretty the entire arrangement was. This very impressive kerbside preamble was the perfect welcome to what was later, a magical performance indeed.

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Stefan Dennis (Neighbours), Julia Morris (I’m a Celebrity, Get me outta Here) and Marina Prior AM, was red carpet regular, Helen Ritchie – known best for her long-standing career in the Victorian judicial system and more recently for her volunteer work at Melbourne’s International Airport. Helen stepped out wearing a canary yellow couture gown as a tribute to star of the show, Belle. It is well known that the original art director Brian McEntee, wanted the dress to be yellow and gold so light could capture as many of her movements as possible. Helen teamed this glamourous gown with a diamond encrusted tiara, pearl jewels and white satin gloves with other embellishments to complete the look.


All photos published by this masthead were taken and supplied by Peak Hour Images (Australia).

Beauty and the Beast is approximately 2.5 hours long, including a 20-minute interval. We recommend allowing enough time to travel to the theatre and arriving up to 40 minutes prior to the start of the show.
Please note this production contains theatrical smoke, fog effects, gunshots, violence and strobe lighting.
Beauty and the Beast is suitable for a general audience. As it is a full-length musical, it is recommended for ages 6 and up. Infants under the age of 2 are permitted free of charge provided they do not occupy a seat and you obtain a complimentary babes in arms ticket on the day of the performance.
More information can be found at www.beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au