Disney’s Beauty and the Beast makes its only stop in Asia, in Singapore, taking the stage at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands from 11 December 2025 till 25 January 2026.
Most audiences will recognise the 1991 animated film on which the musical is based. While I haven’t seen the original in its entirety, I was somewhat familiar with its songs, characters, distinctive aesthetic, and overall storyline. Even the poster alone evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia, and the production itself more than lived up to that promise, proving to be thoroughly enchanting.
Remarkable Cast That Revives Childhood
Though titled Beauty and the Beast, the story would feel far from complete without its lovable supporting characters and highly entertaining villain. While Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Brendan Xavier as the Beast charmed the audience with their beautiful vocals and delightful on-stage chemistry, characters such as Lumiere (Rohan Browne), Cogsworth (Gareth Jacobs), Mrs Potts (Jayde Westaby), and Le Fou (Adam Di Martino) evoked plenty of laughter. And let’s be honest—it was hard to take our eyes off the very hunky Gaston (Jackson Head), whose theatrical vanity and obnoxiousness perfectly mirror the original character.
Timeless Values, But With A Subtle Modern Touch
The core message of Beauty & the Beast remains timeless: True beauty comes from within, and one should never judge a book by its cover. There is something extraordinary about how this production portrays Belle as stronger and more empowered, giving her a more independent and leading presence while still keeping her open-minded and compassionate at heart.
What we find that this musical does better than the animated film is presenting a Belle who feels more grounded and human. This live-action Belle appears less polished and aesthetically perfect than her animated counterpart. While she retains Belle’s defining traits as an avid reader and thinker, Shubshri Kandiah’s portrayal embraces a more “plain Jane” look when she isn’t gowned up. She isn’t afraid to put on her reading glasses, nor is she hesitant to clearly voice her aspirations and set her boundaries.
While audiences can look forward to beloved numbers such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest,” the musical also features additional songs explicitly written for the stage. These additions help deepen the emotional journeys of the characters, adding layers that enrich the overall storytelling.
Fun Facts & Figures
Belle may be the heart of the story, but she isn’t the only Disney princess Shubshri Kandiah has brought to life on stage. The actress previously stepped into the shoes of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin the Musical during its 2019 season. Opposite her, Brendan Xavier—who takes on the role of the Beast—will be familiar to local theatre fans as Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen the Musical when it played here in 2023.
Behind the magic lies an astonishing level of craftsmanship. The production features a total of 119 wigs, each meticulously created using a blend of synthetic fibres, human hair, and even yak hair. The Beast alone sports an impressive 12 pairs of horns, while his castle is illuminated by 97 custom-made electric candles—though Lumière’s flickering flames are, fittingly, real.
History also weaves its way into the fantasy. Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown draws inspiration from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation dress, lending regal gravitas to one of the musical’s most unforgettable moments.
Even if you’ve watched the beloved animated classic a hundred times, this live stage spectacle—bursting with breathtaking sets, dazzling effects, and spellbinding performances—still unfolds as a truly sumptuous feast for the senses.
So, don’t miss your chance to “Be Our Guest” this holiday season. Tickets and showtimes are available here. The show has a G rating (suitable for all ages), making it a perfect family-friendly outing that everyone can enjoy together.
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