Beauty and the Beast | Emma Thompson | Table-Read Performance

Here is a section of the impromptu performance of the title song to Beauty and the Beast, sung by Emma Thompson during the cast table-read for Disney's 2017 live-action remake. The song was written for the original 1991 animated film by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman.

This clip comes from the Enchanted Table-Read featurette present on the film's upcoming Blu-Ray release.

A way for the cast, director, and creatives, as well as financiers and executives, to get a feel for how the script reads and how the film is coming together, a table-read (also known as a read-through) is usually treated as a simple cold reading of the script, with no staging and with the cast reading their lines with no rehearsal or preparation. However, because of the musical nature of the project, as well as the inexperience of stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in the genre, the decision was made to hire an ensemble of dancers and singers to perform the large set pieces of the score, including "Be Our Guest," "Gaston," and the title song, to better illustrate what the creatives had in mind. (Rehearsal had already begun on the choreography of the numbers, with cast member Luke Evans taking part in "Gaston.") Though unusual, the technique has been used for film musical table-reads in the past, namely by Adam Shankman for the table-read for his 2007 film musical adaptation of Hairspray. (Coincidentally, the two films share the same music supervisor, Matthew Rush Sullivan.)

Though a pair of dancers had been assigned to perform the Beast and Belle's waltz during the title song, Emma Watson surprised the rest of the cast and crew by standing up to perform Belle's part in the waltz herself. Similarly, though a professional singer had been hired to make sure the song's presentation went off without a hitch, Emma Thompson unexpectedly rose and walked over to the microphone to sing herself.

The moment has been described as a career highlight by various members of the cast and crew, with producer Todd Lieberman stating in an interview with Variety that the resulting performance caused composer Alan Menken to break into tears.

[pamkowaski]

Despite so many people saying they didn't like her as Belle. She did a great job playing the part in my opinion.

[JulieDelahooke]

I didn’t know Emma Thompson could sing before this movie, and I fell in love with her voice. I wanna hear more ❤️

[assyrianprincess]

You know thats good casting when she nails the song on the first try

[jonathanamillano]

Emma is so perfect, smart, beautiful and talented woman ever

[angeltiong]

I love Emma's dress!! And her too!! Her personality, her determination for what she think is right, like really some people don't even dare to speak out what they have on their minds. And that truly is what I respect and admire her the most. Really she is a great role model!!

[MagicalMusic]

Emma T. ..Man, she's amazing. First go and all, now that's a good actor. Em W. danced beautifully too. ❤️

[MeiigaKimPanda]

Her voice make me cry ...her voice touch my heart..
(Sorry my bad english)

[RCKNbaby]

Dammit I would've loved for it to be Dan dancing with Emma here!!!

[Kpop_fan_since_]

WOW I love the woman who singing the song she's so talented

[zoroteats]

The movie's absolutely stunning. A bit autotune but amazing nonetheless. I called Emma 'Hermione' throughout the movie 😂😂. And it saddens me that the next generation will know Her as Belle rather than Hermione.

[thwackerjack]

I love the Beast feet the dancing instructor is wearing.

[abbyruiz]

Watching this makes me so emotional lol I just can't aghhh Emma you nailed it perfect😭😂💛💛💛💛

[MeggieTheWerewolf]

This dude in these giant boots is stepping and twirling around the floor much more sophisticatedly than most guys even without the boots. :D

[sonicxrich]

In Remembrance to
Angela Lansbury voive role as Mrs. Potts
(Born: 16 October 1925 – Died: 11 October 2022)

Jerome Bernard Orbach voice as Lumière
(Born: October 20, 1935 – Died: December 28, 2004)

David Allen Ogden Stiers voice as Cogsworth
(Born: October 31, 1942 – Died: March 3, 2018)

Rex Everhart voice as Maurice
(Born: June 13, 1920 – Died: March 13, 2000)

Mary Kay Bergman voice as Bimbette
(Born: June 5, 1961 – Died: November 11, 1999)

Tony Jay voice as Monsieur D'Arque
(Born: 2 February 1933 – Died: 13 August 2006)

[VladSicoe]

This is one of the better remakes from Disney. I felt they did a great job with it.

[jacopobrusa]

Angela Lansburry would be so proud of Emma Thompson for have played Mrs. Potts in the live action of The Beauty and The Beast especially for her singing voice ❤🥹🥺😥😢😭🤧🙏🏻🕯✝️🕎⛪️⚰️

[callmeolivia]

I cried Emma tompson is the best ever she’s my idol

[spiritgirl]

1:01-1:09 What I wouldn't give to be in her place.

[manstorres]

Emma W. gracefully waltzing!! Lovely lovely!!

[mikaylamitchell]

this just makes me realize how short Emma Watson really is XD