Bedknobs and Broomsticks The Musical At Milton Keynes Theatre Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER + GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
With songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers, including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny and a new book, music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill; Bedknobs & Broomsticks has been brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Jamie Harrison and Candice Edmunds.
Based on the iconic Disney movie of the same name, when the three war-orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from London to live in the country, their paths cross with the mysterious Eglantine Price. Little do they know the adventure that awaits them.
In what must be the most sumptuous-looking touring show of the year, Bedknobs and Broomsticks brings to life a film that has delighted many since its 1971 premiere but has never had its moment of definitive creative realisation.
The new production opened at the Newcastle’s Theatre Royal in August and is currently touring the UK throughout 2021 and into 2022. I watched this spectacular production at Milton Keynes Theatre with a cast featuring Dianne Pilkington, Jacqui DuBois, Charles Brunton and Conor O’Hara as Charlie. Carrie was played by Poppy Houghton
Paul was played by Dexter Barry. Having watched this film as a child myself in the 1980’s, I was over the moon when my son watched it and I could see that he enjoyed it as much as I did. When the opportunity arose to watch the musical, I jumped at the chance and with my son on tow, we made our way to Milton Keynes Theatre to enjoy this whimsical theatrical triumph. It just so happens that I love the venue being so easily accessible, parking is free and staff are super friendly!
Dianne Pilkington is a fine example as Miss Price, the mysterious lead lady! She carries the show with her elegant and exquisite cast singing voice, charming and adaptable with every movement. I was entranced by her performance as she makes the role of Eglantine Price her own with such poise and precision, making it look so easy to hold a tune while being lifted and dropped, twirled and flung. My personal favourite is the number ‘The Beautiful Briny’, a song/scene from the 1971 film that‘a jam packed full of colour and fast-paced wonderment, as the audience enter an under-the-sea animated sea life fantasy. With plenty of wonder and magic, enthralling illusions and a sparkling cast, this new version of a classic is most definitely bobbing along rather nicely. Our imaginative senses were ignited from start to finish by illusions and fabulous puppetry skills, lighting effects and physical movement that best represent theatre in the 21st century.
Other original songs are performed with equal nostalgia. ‘The Age of Not Believing’ reminds us that growing up can be challenging and that even as adults we need to remain hopeful, dare to dream and never forget who we are. ‘Portobello Road’ embraces the joy it is to visit a big exciting city, whether it be during a war or the modern-day. The charged atmosphere on stage was alive with a multitude of cultures. It provided the opportunity individuality to be expressed, and beautifully so, by a cast who performed in perfect sync with each other whilst performing highly unique abilities as individuals too.
The new musical numbers by Neil Bartram were lovely but unfamiliar to me as a lifelong fan of this epic story. I fear those who are less familiar with the film might feel confused at what is going on. The altered ending also left me feeling a bit sad as I didn’t want the adventure to end. I did at times feel like there were too many people on stage but once you focussed on the puppets, you tend to ignore the extra bodies.
If you, like this writer, found yourself at the age of not believing, it’s high time we remembered to embrace the child within and start believing in the healing energy of live theatre once again. This show definitely took me back to a time where life was a lot easier, not as fast as the world we find ourselves in and we could still dream big. I felt very privileged to share this experience with one of my children!
Ultimately though, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a family show and all ages will love this brilliant production. An absolute must see for all!!
Rating: I rate this show as 5/5.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is touring until 1 May 2022.
For more information and tickets are from £13 and can be purchased from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bedknobs-and-broomsticks/milton-keynes-theatre/