If you haven't yet seen Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical at the Sands Theatre in Singapore, then you best be booking your tickets now! We got the chance to see a sneak preview and chat with the stars about what this incredible musical and these iconic roles mean to them.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical is enchanting Singapore audiences with its dazzling sets, unforgettable songs, and a love story we’ve adored for generations. Leading the cast in Singapore is Brendan Xavier as the Beast, a Sydney-born performer who starred as Kristoff in Frozen the Musical, and is now adding another iconic role to his repertoire. Starring with him as Belle is acclaimed Brisbane-based actress Shubshri Kandiah, known for her standout performance as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. Together, they bring heart, humour, and fresh energy to this beloved tale as old as time, and they took a few minutes out of their busy performance schedule to answer our questions about what it’s like to bring these beloved characters to life on stage in Singapore!
We chat to Shubshri Kandiah, who plays the role of Belle
Belle is such an iconic character. She’s smart, curious, brave, and a real role model for young girls. What does playing her mean to you?
Shubshri: “For me, playing Belle means embodying someone who looks past surface appearances and champions empathy and kindness above all else. She is determined to make her own choices and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Being able to portray that strength, especially for young people in the audience, is a real privilege.”
You have played incredible leading roles, from Princess Jasmine to Belle. How does Belle feel different?
Shubshri: “Belle is quite introspective and bookish. Her bravery is quieter, and her ability to change the world around her comes through her warmth, understanding, and empathy.”
Belle is known for her love of books. Do you have a favourite book you always recommend?
Shubshri: “A book I have just finished and really enjoyed is Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran. Another book I often recommend is Chai Time in the Cinnamon Gardens, also by Shankari Chandran. Her writing is beautifully emotive, and I am always captivated by the stories and the deeper meaning behind them.”
What do you hope families in Singapore take away from Belle’s story?
Shubshri: “I hope families leave the theatre with a renewed belief in the power of kindness and the importance of seeing the good in others. Belle’s story is a beautiful reminder that true beauty comes from within. I would love audiences in Singapore to be inspired to be curious and to remember that compassion is one of the most powerful forces we have.”
Do you have a favourite costume or moment in the show that always makes you smile?
Shubshri: “My favourite costume in the show is the one I wear in the finale. It is a beautiful twist on the iconic yellow gown, and I also love the braided wig that comes with it. It is also, sadly, the costume I wear for the shortest amount of time!”
You grew up in Brisbane and have toured internationally. What excites you most about performing for families in Singapore?
Shubshri: “I am incredibly excited to bring this magical production to Singapore. I grew up in an Australian household with Malaysian-Indian roots, so performing in a vibrant, multicultural city like Singapore feels a little like coming home. The audiences so far have been so warm and enthusiastic, and I think it is going to be a wonderful season.”
A chat with Brendan Xavier, who stars as The Beast
What was your reaction when you found out you would be playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, a role adored by families?
Brendan: “I was in complete shock. I genuinely thought I was being lied to. But being a Disney kid myself, I was absolutely over the moon.”
The Beast has a huge emotional arc. How do you prepare for such a big transformation on stage each time?
Brendan: “I try to get into the zone as much as possible and trust my intuition. The script and the costume do a lot of the work in setting up the character’s motivations, and I trust that process. The most challenging part is his voice. Achieving the right power and energy, and keeping it consistent, is always demanding. It usually takes me about 1 hour to warm up vocally before each performance.”
You made your professional debut in Frozen the Musical and later played Kristoff in Singapore. Did anything from Frozen help you step into the Beast’s paws?
Brendan: “Honestly, no. They are very different characters, both physically and mentally, so it felt like a complete switch!”
Your career has taken you from Disney musicals to cruise productions and television commercials. What advice would you give young aspiring performers in Singapore?
Brendan: “Trust yourself. Put yourself out there and be confident in what you can do.”
You often thank your family for their support. How important has their encouragement been to your journey?
Brendan: “It has been integral to everything I do. My family are my everything, and everything I do and achieve is their achievement as well.”
What is one scene you cannot wait for families in Singapore to see?
Brendan: “I love the ending. There is something very emotional and vulnerable about it that I enjoy performing, and it also features some of the best effects in the show.”
Disney’s Beauty and The Beast musical is now showing at The Sands Theatre, Singapore.
When: 11 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Beauty and the Beast, Sands Theatre.
Price: Tickets from $70.
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