Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Review: A Fresh Telling of a Beloved Classic

Disney brings Beauty and the Beast to Singapore for its only Asian stop, running now until 25 January 2026. We watched the show at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, and after an evening of striking stagecraft, humour and emotion, it is easy to call this the production of the year. From refreshed staging to thoughtful character moments, the show offers everything needed for a memorable night at the theatre.
Even before the curtain rose, the atmosphere hinted at what was to come. Children arrived in yellow dresses, adults suited up for cocktails, and the foyer buzzed with excitement over everyone's favourite tale. It felt like a proper night out, setting the tone for a production that delivers on spectacle while keeping its heart firmly intact.

Belle and the Beast: The Leads at Centre Stage

Shubshri Kandiah steps in as Belle after her turn as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin the Musical. Brendan Xavier’s Beast carries a strong physical quality, heightened by the weight and structure of his costume, which he has shared, transforming how he moves and reacts on stage. Together, they form a pairing that feels both tender and playful.

Their interactions are surprisingly funny at times, offering a mix of emotion and lightness that gives the relationship real warmth. The Beast’s “Oh Belle” calls drew delighted laughter from the crowd, as did his earnest attempts to work out how best to impress her. These moments feel almost like a nod to modern dating, reflecting the familiar cycle of overthinking, second-guessing and wondering how someone might respond.

A Strong Supporting Cast, You'll Be Cheering Endlessly For

The supporting cast brings lively character work and sharp humour to the production. Rohan Browne’s Lumiere is a constant source of joy, delivering every line with a cheeky spark that never misses. His scenes drew some of the loudest laughter of the night, thanks to his impeccable timing and light-footed poise. The Vanity character adds a fun burst of physical comedy, leaning into dramatic poses and exaggerated reactions that delighted the audience.

Another crowd-favourite, Gaston, played with bold confidence, bringing swagger and mischief to the village scenes. His signature beer-mug number was met with cheers, the rhythmic clinking and rising energy turning the sequence into one of the evening’s most entertaining highlights. The ensemble around him matched his bravado, building the scene into a lively display that the crowd clearly enjoyed.

Across the board, the supporting cast keeps the pace brisk and the mood high, strengthening each transition and adding personality to every moment on stage.

Music and Vocal Moments

The familiar score remains one of the production’s strongest anchors. Each song carries a mix of warmth, nostalgia and theatrical flair, reminding the audience why this musical has stayed beloved for decades. The Gaston number is especially memorable, with its bold rhythm and cheeky bravado. The beer-mug sequence had the crowd cheering, building into a lively, rhythmic display that showcased both the cast’s precision and the character’s larger-than-life ego.

“Be Our Guest” brings a burst of energy, lifted by bright vocals and a layered arrangement that plays beautifully with the spectacle on stage. It feels like a full celebration, one that invites the audience to lean in and enjoy every detail. “Something There” offers a softer moment, giving Belle and Beast space to show their growing connection through gentle harmonies and a more intimate tone.

The blend of orchestrations, character-driven singing and carefully shaped emotional beats makes the music feel both familiar and fresh, supporting the story without overpowering it.

Spectacle, Sets and Visuals

Did you know that this production travels on 26 shipping containers? Belle’s yellow gown draws inspiration from the Coronation dress of Queen Elizabeth II, giving the ballroom scene a touch of ceremony. The show makes use of 119 wigs, each hand-knotted with a total of more than 4600 hours of work. These details contribute to a world that feels rich and full. 

The visual world of the production is one of its greatest strengths. The sets are stunning from the first moment, shifting with impressive scale and detail as the story moves between the village, the castle and the enchanted interiors. The mix of physical design, moving pieces and digital effects is handled with care, creating transitions that feel smooth and occasionally surprising.

One of the most striking moments is the Beast's passionate If I Can't Love Her – atmospheric and beautifully staged, it adds the right amount of depth and emotion to their developing love story. The spectacular transformation from Beast to Prince is another highlight where rather than a single reveal, the lights and immersive visuals drew gasps from the audience at final reveal. 

Our favourite? “Be Our Guest” stands out as a showpiece of colour, movement and imagination. The tap-dancing, shimmering props and playful illusions turn the number into a visual celebration that sits comfortably alongside some of Broadway’s most iconic scenes.

Overall, expect clever illusions, updated projections and a polished castle interior that glitters under the lighting design.

Beauty and The Beast – The Production 

This production builds on the legacy of the 1991 animated film, which set a new benchmark in storytelling when songs were used to drive the plot rather than decorate it. That approach shaped the Disney animation wave of the 1990s and laid the groundwork for the Broadway stage adaptation that followed.

Belle’s portrayal has evolved in this staging. She wears glasses, is shown as a confident reader from the outset and no longer carries an apron. These adjustments support her character as someone who leads with thought and sharp observation, echoing the intentions of Ashman and Woolverton when they first shaped her personality on screen. Beast’s transformation sequence uses closely guarded stage effects to shift from human to creature, right in front of the audience.

The relationship between Belle and Beast develops with warmth and humour. The small moments like his attempts to impress her, her gentle reactions, and their shared hesitations echo modern dating more than expected. By the time the title song plays, the shift in their connection feels earned. 

The show appeals naturally across generations. Children responded enthusiastically to the comedy, especially Lumiere’s antics and Beast’s more dramatic reactions. Several arrived dressed as Belle, adding to the sense of occasion. While it is a production meant for the entire family, younger kids might find it hard to sustain the close to 3-hour commitment, especially for the evening shows. 

Why You Should (MUST) Watch It

Beauty and the Beast delivers a warm, generous evening of theatre, shaped by striking visuals, strong performances and moments that linger well after the final bow. It makes an excellent night out for adults, with humour, emotion and impressive stagecraft that feel distinctly grown-up, while remaining accessible for children. Couples will appreciate the playful chemistry between Belle and Beast, and Disney fans will admire the detailed staging and faithful storytelling. Whether you go with friends, a partner or the family, it’s a feel-good celebratory event that will appeal across ages. 

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs from 11 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. Best suited for kids 8 years and up. 

Buy your tickets at Marina Bay Sands, SISTIC and Klook.

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