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This production marks the tenth anniversary of David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book, The Parent Agency, upon which the show is based. The book has sold over 355,000 copies worldwide and been translated into 30 languages. Originally released in 2014, The Parent Agency went on to win the Laugh Out Loud Award.
The musical is produced by John Berry and Anthony Lilley of Scenario Two and Suzie Henderson and Helen Redcliffe of Storyhouse. It has lyrics by Baddiel and music and additional lyrics by Dan Gillespie Sells (lead singer and songwriter of band, The Feeling); it is directed by Tim Jackson. Baddiel is the narrator and incites humour and originality to the script.
It was a full house with a mixed audience of youngsters, teenagers, parents and older adults who gave the cast a warm welcome with a loud cheer as the show started.
Max Bispham, (Barry), won over hearts with his opening solo song bemoaning his dislike of the name his parents had bestowed upon him, and he went on to steal the show with his personality and acting ability shining through in each scene. He has a heavy script to maintain and he performed superbly; he acted, danced or sang in almost every scene not forgetting or stumbling on a single word; he is remarkable, and his diction and stage presence is excellent, as is his singing and timing.
The story centres around Barry who blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict”. So, he makes a wish for better parents and finds himself whisked away to a place he’s never heard of called, Youngdon in the ‘United Kid-dom’; it’s an alternate universe where children get to pick out their perfect parents with the assistance of staff at The Parent Agency.
We see Barry trying to choose which parents he would rather have, other than his own. The scenarios are very funny, and emotions go into overdrive as the story unfolds.
Osian Salter, Eli Sowden-Mehta and Louis Wilkins share the role of Barry with Max Bispham whilst the show tours, whilst his parents are played by Rebecca McKinnis (Mum, Susan) and Rakesh Boury (Dad, Geoff).
The rest of the talented company are Kazmin Borrer, Elliot Broadfoot, Natasha Cayabyab, , Sarah McFarlane, Joshian Angelo Omaña, Alan Vicary, Ralph Birthwell, Althea Burey, Elliot Copeland, Jessica Daugirda, Sophia Lewis and Robbie Scott who excel in every scene.
This family-friendly show had the audience laughing and toe-tapping to the catchy songs; the whole cast play various roles, and they manage to transition from one character to another seamlessly, they are all fantastically talented and watchable.
The Casting Director is Olivia Laydon, with children casting by Amy Beadel; the creative team also includes Choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, Costume Designer Sarah Mercadé, Lighting Designer Zoe Spurr, Assistant Director Francesca Hsieh, Music Supervisor Nick Finlow, Music Director Ellen Campbell, Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse, Associate Sound Designer Richard Jones, and wig, hair and make-up Designer Craig Forrest-Thomas.
The show is a delight from start to finish and had the audience enthralled from the opening number.
The Parent Agency is at The Storyhouse Chester until 2nd March 2025, ahead of a planned national tour and London run.
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