Awful Auntie At Regent Theatre Stoke On Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
David Walliams’ Awful Auntie at the Regent Theatre is nothing short of a theatrical triumph. With a small cast, this adaptation of Walliams’ popular story fills the stage with energy, humour, and heart. It’s an experience that enchants both children and adults, leaving audiences spellbound long after the final curtain falls.
The staging is a masterclass in creative design, evoking the nostalgic feel of a fold-out castle from childhood, where each side reveals new surprises. This ingenious set transforms seamlessly, enhanced by evocative lighting that amplifies the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere of the story. Every piece of the stage feels purposeful, drawing the audience deeper into the quirky world of Aunt Alberta and her scheming ways.
Zain Abrahams shines in their role as Aunt Alberta, perfectly capturing the blend of wickedness and hilarity that defines the character. The way they command the stage, engaging both the audience and Lady Stella Saxby (beautifully portrayed by Annie Codroni), had the entire theatre laughing, gasping, and hanging onto every sinister word. Abrahams’ portrayal strikes just the right balance between humour and menace, reminiscent of the original book’s tone, making the character both repellent and ridiculously entertaining.
Frankie Oldham’s portrayal of Gibbon, the peculiar butler, was another standout. Oldham brings a delightful eccentricity to the role, making Gibbon a memorable and endearing character who complements the story’s offbeat charm.
The use of puppetry was a stroke of brilliance, particularly in the form of Wagner, the owl. Emily Essery’s skilful puppeteering brought Wagner to life, creating a character who felt as important to the narrative as the human actors. The puppet’s movements were so fluid and expressive that it became easy to forget it wasn’t a living creature. Wagner’s interactions with the cast were both hilarious and heart warming, adding a touch of magic to the show.
Matthew Allen’s performance as Soot, the kind-hearted ghost, was another highlight. Allen’s portrayal captured the gentle and caring nature of the character, grounding the show with moments of tenderness amidst the chaos of Aunt Alberta’s schemes.
The production is perfect for family audiences, though it’s worth noting that some elements may feel a bit dark for very young children. The use of lighting and music to build tension is highly effective but may be better suited for children aged six or seven and older, especially those able to follow the twists and moral themes of the story. That said, my own children, aged 7 to 14, absolutely loved it. The younger ones were drawn in by the humour and larger-than-life characters, while the older ones were captivated by the staging, the clever set design, and the depth of the story.
What makes Awful Auntie so special is how well it balances comedy, storytelling, and visual spectacle. Even if you haven’t read the book, the story is easy to follow and delightfully told. For those who are familiar with the original, the stage adaptation is a faithful and imaginative take on Walliams’ work, maintaining its heart while elevating it with clever theatrical techniques.
This is 5-out-of-5 performance, staging and entertainment for the whole family.
Running until 5th October, tickets start from just £15 and are available at www.atgtickets.com/shows/awful-auntie/regent-theatre or by calling the box office on 020 7206 1174.
This is five-star entertainment, perfect for family fun, and a show that will have you talking for days.
Don’t miss out—Awful Auntie is a thrilling, heart warming adventure that truly brings the magic of Walliams’ story to life!
Rating: 5/5