Gareth Jacobs is filling Bert Newton’s shoes in Beauty and the Beast

Gareth Jacobs is ready to take on Cogsworth, the role made famous by the late Bert Newton in Beauty and The Beast — and lucky for him, he has the seal of approval from Patti herself.

He’s got big shoes to fill — but Gareth Jacobs is ready to take on Cogsworth, the role made famous by the late Bert Newton in Beauty and The Beast — and lucky for him, he has the seal of approval from Patti herself.

“I was lucky enough to work with Patti Newton when she played the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins,” Jacobs told The Sunday Telegraph.

“She and I had countless conversations about how Beauty and the Beast was one of Bert’s favourite shows to perform in.

“She had pictures and stories of his time in the show and said that she cannot wait to see me take on the role and bring Cogsworth back … no pressure,” he laughed.

Joining Jacobs as the other integral parts of the Beauty and the Beast puzzle ahead of the Walt Disney Company production’s June Australian premiere are Rohan Browne, who will step into the role of Lumiere, and Jayde Westaby as Mrs Potts.

Gareth Jacobs will play the butler Cogsworth, in a role made famous by Bert Newton. Picture: David Caird

And yes, they can’t wait for you to … be their guest.

“This was one of the Disney classics that I grew with … I remember sitting in awe, as a kid, watching the original stage adaptation in Melbourne and falling in love with musical theatre even more.

Bert Newton as Cogsworth in a 1995 Melbourne production of Beauty and the Beast.

“It also shows how being different isn’t a bad thing and that you should never judge a book by its cover … so to be able to bring this back and retell this story is such a great full circle moment.”

The much-loved family favourite is especially significant to Queensland 42-year-old Jayde Westaby, who will play Mrs Potts after a long career on the UK’s West End.

“Twenty one years ago I made my professional debut in Beauty and the Beast in England, so it holds a very special place in my heart,” she said.

“I think my favourite part of playing Mrs Potts is that I get to sing ‘the’ song, Beauty and the Beast — it’s such a huge responsibility and a turning point in the show.

Rohan Browne as Lumiere, Jayde Westaby as Mrs Potts and Gareth Jacobs as Cogsworth in Disney's upcoming Beauty And The Beast Australian stageshow. Picture: David Caird

“I also love that Mrs Potts is a strong woman with the biggest heart who doesn’t take any nonsense.

“I believe the story will be the one audiences know and love but with some 2023 Disney magic sprinkles on top — I cannot wait to deliver this production to Sydney audiences and hear the live reaction.”

Rohan Browne, famed for playing Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz, will play Lumiere, and says the beauty of the show — pun intended — is that its connection covers all age groups.

Jayde Westaby will be Mrs Potts.

Rohan Browne will be Lumiere.

“Younger audience members will easily be enthralled by the sheer explosion of talent, colour and incredible sets onstage and the telling of this story — love, lost connection and redemption, not to mention the magic involved,” he said.

“I think for some it will be a nostalgic walk down memory lane, remembering their relationship to this fairytale story.

“To be involved in this new reimagining and modern innovative storytelling — for a new generation — is such an honour and privilege … and now, being a father, I am so excited to share this magic with my little boy.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time now, 25 years, and there’s something so challenging, rewarding, daunting and beautiful about connecting with people through story.

“It’s something I’ve loved doing since before I could remember, so having the opportunity to do it, as a profession, and in this incredible production — is a gift.

“And I will always cherish it as much as I can.”

Beauty and The Beast will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in June. New tickets are on sale from Thursday, February 23, at beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au