Disney’s musical version of Beauty and the Beast, with its perky score by Alan Menken, has been staple fare in theatres across the country for many years. Now some of the touring sets and costumes have been commandeered by Oxford Operatic Society for their production at the New Theatre — including Belle’s famous yellow frock, which weighs 25 kilos. But you’ll notice something different immediately. A professional production could never afford Oxford Operatic’s huge chorus of enthusiastic, well drilled, bystanders and villagers.

Even on the large New Theatre stage, choreographer Helen Hoy has to rein the dancing in a bit, otherwise there would be a large outbreak of kicked shins. She manages very well however — perhaps she plotted her moves by studying Oxford Station platform in the rush hour.

As Belle coolly resists the crude advances of Elvis-lookalike Gaston (Duncan Blagrove), and stumbles into imprisonment in the Beast’s castle, she meets Lumière, whose hands have been turned into flaming torches, and Cogsworth, the giant mobile clock (Glen Young and Jeremy Dwight, a splendid double act). She is also befriended by Mrs Potts, the tea lady (Libby Holcroft-Crewe), Chip, the very sparky teacup (Oliver Cater), and the very French and saucy Babette (Catherine Temple).

But soon Guy Grimsley’s Beast comes roaring. This Beast isn’t so much a deep-voiced growler, he’s more of a higher pitched, stressed-out sort of individual. From the start, Grimsley makes it plain that there is a much more vulnerable character inside the hideous outer skin. He also sings with real passion. Suzannah Brooksbank is quite simply superb as Belle. Her clear, warm, open voice would make her an ideal Maria in The Sound of Music – which Oxford Operatic just happens to be staging next spring.

Until Saturday Box office 0844 871 30202, www.atgtickets.com/oxford FOUR STARS