The enduring appeal of the eight European folk tales presented in
Beasts and Beauties is a measure of their power. Over centuries in one version or another they have enthralled, fascinated, amused, and at times frightened listeners and readers of all ages. For this production, they have been retold by author and poet Carol Ann Duffy and
adapted for the stage by Tim Supple and director Melly Still. Telling those stories dramatically meant actors switching instantly from playing a character to commenting on that character's actions, as a narrator. In each of the tales the principal
role of narrator, was undertaken by a single actor, as Jack Tarlton explains.
In
early rehearsals for 'The Juniper Tree', Melly and the cast begin by telling the story to each other in a very traditional way: sitting in a circle, on the floor, watching and listening intently as each actor in turn takes responsibility carrying the story on. The production diary discusses the lasting appeal of these stories in
Bluebeard, Blood and Bones. Actor Kelly Williams believes their longevity is due to the universal relevance of
the themes such as the conflict between stepson and stepmother in 'The Juniper Tree'. The differences between telling a story and
staging a story are highlighted by actor Vineeta Rishi in the adaptation of 'The Girl & The North Wind'. Among other changes,
additional characters were added during rehearsals to provide dramatic interest, comedy, and a social context.
