Pied Piper – A Hip Hop Family Musical At Derby Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Rat-a-tat-tat! Fresh from Battersea Arts Centre, Beatbox Academy has arrived at Derby Theatre with a remixed rhythmic take on the well-known medieval fable of the ‘Pied Piper’. Tonight’s hip-hop extravaganza was the opening night of their UK Tour and the perfect blend of bold beats and percussive prose.
Popularised by, but pre-dating, the ‘Brothers Grimm’, the legend of the ‘Pied Paper’ dates back to the Middle Ages. It is the story of a piper, dressed in multicoloured patchwork (‘pied’) clothing, who was a rat catcher hired by the plagued German town of Hamelin to take the rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refused to pay for this service as promised, he retaliated by using his instrument’s magical power on their children, luring them away as he had the rats – often with gruesome endings. An enduring tale and moral warning, it has been retold over the centuries – inspiring new interpretations and adaptions. In this suitable for all ages tour produced by Arcade, the lore is live from Hamelin’s Pie Factory floor, invested with rats and manned by child-labour. All overseen by a callous and greedy Major (David Bonnick Jr).
Written, and co-directed by Conrad Murray (playing the titular character), with a cast of seven versatile performers, the production brought to life a rich tapestry of vocal, physical, and rhythmic talents. The core band of employed, nay enslaved, kids called themselves the Rebel Clefs: dreaming of revolt, a life of music, play, and rodent-free happiness.
There were no small-parts in this production, each actor fleshed out a fully-formed and integral character. The stage pulsed with energy, culture, and the power of youth, with their shared vibrancy, courage and sense of purpose. This production went deeper than the expected pitfalls of greed and not honouring your word. It was a call to stand up against inequality and injustice; a lesson in being true to yourself; a celebration of connection and standing by your friends and community.
Their energy and ingenuity were twice complemented on stage by a troop of local children who had joined the production just the day before as part of a wider community project. It was astonishing to witness what these young participants accomplished in such a short time, with flashes of star-quality talent evident throughout. In this accessible and relaxed performance, there were fun opportunities for audience participation too. The opening minutes offered a brilliant introduction to beatboxing, giving us the chance to learn three different sounds. We were taught and created our own focal drum kit… I just about managed a kick drum and snare, much to my surprise!
What is always astonishing about a capella and beatboxing is the sheer range of sound that a cast can conjure using nothing but their voices. Magnificent in every way, I was amazed the way the performers blended bass, clicks, skits, and spoken word seamlessly with song. No orchestra or background music or effects; the soundscape was just as rich as any performance I’ve seen. With absolute assurance, and skill, their voices alone layered the story with texture, tempo and tone. Mic-drop moments throughout!
Staging was simple, yet effective. The majority of the action took place in the Mayor’s Pie Factory. Industrial and authoritarian, two metal staircases led to a raised gantry with a backdrop depicting not an expansive processing space, but also a grim cityscape – reflecting the oppressive nature of the town.
Props were also minimal; this sparseness was certainly intentional allowing the audience to focus on the casts’ vocal ingenuity. For example, the pie production line was recreated using two tables and the kids using bright red batons in repetitive motions accompanied by voice-powered rolling, stirring and filling.
The vermin, but by no means the villains of the story, were brought to life through sock-puppetry, glowering red LEDs, and darting remote-controlled rodents.
Costume and colour was consistent throughout: the kids were in factory garb, styled to their unique personalities – daubed and scrawled with neons of graffiti; and the Major was striking in his luminous, long coat and top hat. Although cartoonish in colour, the green motif extended into the props (such as the tables and brooms), signifying the presence, power and possessive control the Major had over the factory, the town and rhythm of the story. When he appeared, breath and beats were held until he departed. All very cleverly constructed!
Where the Major and his workers were unified under flashes of green, the Piper’s style celebrated difference and creativity, marking him as entirely individual and not under anyone’s control. Perhaps a subtle nod to the traditional meaning of ‘pied’.
In conclusion, tonight’s show was a wildly inventive, modern musical retelling that stayed with me long after the final note. Don’t resist the Piper’s tune, follow it all the way to Derby Theatre for this funky, family-friendly folktale. Pie-fect entertainment!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets are fantastic value at £15, or £13 for those under 26.
On Stage Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026, for more information or to book tickets visit https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/pied-piper/ or call the box office on Box Office: 01332 593939
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF
Ratz! You missed the Derby performance? The crew on tour until the end of March 2026. For more dates, visit: https://www.hello-arcade.com/projects/pied-piper-tour
Having just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style, Derby Theatre is something of a quiet gem within the city. Set just off the main Derbion shopping centre it is an integral part of Derby’s cultural fabric. A genuine welcome is guaranteed and getting to the venue is straightforward, whether it be by foot, bus or car.
The foyer is open and unpretentious. A particular highlight is the ground floor café, offering a tempting selection of savoury and sweet treats that makes it just as inviting for a daytime visit as an evening performance. There is a genuine sense of warmth here, both in the space itself and in the welcome offered by staff. The bar and concession areas are well organised and efficiently run, with prices in keeping with regional theatre expectations. Seating throughout the auditorium is comfortable with good sightlines. It is a theatre that invites you to settle in, feel part of the experience, and return.