THEATRE REVIEW: Bedknobs And Broomsticks - The Lowry Theatre, Salford.

'Bedknobs And Broomsticks' was one of my Disney favourite movies to watch as a child. Even though it came out in 1971, it was a staple part of my childhood in the '90s – and judging by the crowds at The Lowry I wasn’t the only one. Therefore, I jumped at the chance when I saw that a stage adaption was coming to The Lowry. Sometimes the move from screen to stage isn’t always great, but that isn’t the case here.

 

It is quite sad that the theme of this play is very relevant today with what is happening in the world. For those unfamiliar with the plot, the production is set during World War II where 3 young children are evacuated from London and moved to the safer place of Dorset. It is pretty much a copy and paste job of the screen version. 

Although this is widely viewed as a production for children, adults will still enjoy this piece. The highlight of the show is without doubt the flying bed, one which delighted all members of the audience at The Lowry. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, it is nevertheless quite sad but enjoyable at the same time. 

Musical theatre fans will recognise Dianne Pilkington who plays Eglantine Price. She delivers the role with demure and upper-class charm. As an audience we believed every word she sang as if she had written the songs herself. Her dancing was also a delight to watch. Charles Brunton as the unconventional Emilius Browne was played with great tenderness. 

No review of 'Bedknobs And Broomsticks' would be complete without mentioning the children. Conor O’Hara is amazing as Charlie Rawlins; you can tell he is a very versatile performer. For me he was the glue that held this show together. Isabella Bucknett and Aidan Oli did a lovely job of their roles of Carrie and Paul respectively. 

A few new songs have been added to the stage production courtesy of Neil Bartram. The one I enjoyed the most was ‘Miss Price, I Believe’. It really gave the cast the opportunity to shine, and a song I can see becoming a fan favourite as the musical cements itself in history. 

I did feel that this production could have made more use of the ensemble. When they had their chance, they were absolutely fantastic but personally I would have liked to have seen more of them. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance of 'Wicked'. 

Another tiny critique for this production was that they could have used the space more. The Lyric theatre at The Lowry is a huge space and often it felt like there were too many actors in one place. In particular the puppet scene felt a bit untidy. The coordination by puppet captain; Jonathan Cobb was fantastic and the movement of characters brought everything together. 

Set and Illusion Design by Jamie Harrison is the real magic of this production and has to be applauded. I could hear people talking after the show saying “how did they make the bed fly”? and with even the younger audience members believing it was all real. People were enthralled by the technical aspects of this production. From beginning to end, the show is filled with magical moments, from a broom not playing ball to a flying bed.

 

No one can deny how close 'Bedknobs And Broomsticks' is in style to Mary Poppins. However, judging it on its own merit then this production has it all. If audience members leave with a smile on their faces, then what more can you ask for. This is a show that the whole family will enjoy – it is captivating, foolish and original. 

Reviewer - Brian Madden
on - 16/3/22