Awful Auntie at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Review

Reviewed by Cate Norris

If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the kids this half term, then look no further. The theatre adaptation of David Walliams’ bestselling book, Awful Auntie, is now playing at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre and has more plot twists, irritating owl moments and the most awful of aunties to keep the kids on the edge of their seats!

Waking from a coma, Stella discovers that her whole world has been turned upside down. She has survived a car accident but unfortunately both of her parents are dead. About to turn 13 Stella is now under the care of her only living relative, her aunt Alberta, but things don’t seem right. Stella is supposed to inherit Saxby Hall, yet Aunt Alberta is frantically looking for the deeds. What’s more Aunt Alberta is keeping Stella locked away and not feeding her. Stella suspects something fishy is going on and she’s going to find out what!

Timothy Speyer was fantastically awful as Aunt Alberta, the epitome of an eccentric aunt gone wrong! Speyer’s larger than life performance, was mesmerising and he kept the audience entertained with Alberta’s hilarious antics and sharp one liners. Speyer got a huge boo at the end of the show which was credit to the pure awfulness of his portrayal of Aunt Alberta.

Georgina Leonidas shined as Aunt Alberta’s clever and determined orphaned niece Stella Saxby. Fancying herself as a Sherlock Holmes, she was stopping at nothing to solve the mystery of her parents’ death and her aunt’s erratic behaviour. Leonidas won the audience over with her sincerity, likability, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Stella’s sidekick Soot (Ashley Cousins), the cheeky house ghost, charmed with his chalk and cheese contrast to Stella, getting up to everything that a ghost should. The friendship between the two was delightful to watch, particularly when Soot’s naughty side rubs off on Stella and the fun really starts.

Jacqueline Trousdale’s inventive set design works beautifully to create the rooms within Saxby Hall. Rotation of set pieces ensures seamless transition between scenes, which is supported with a little help from bewildered butler Gibbon, played by Richard James, who kept the audience giggling at his complete confusion and utter nonsense.

I would absolutely recommend a visit to see the awesome Awful Auntie. I was accompanied by two kids, a thirteen year old and a twelve year who said it was ‘so good’, ‘really funny’ and ‘that aunt was a psycho!’ which I think translates to ‘go see it it’s epic!’

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15.25 to £22.25 (booking fees may apply).

Awful Auntie is at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 20-24 February 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.belgrade.co.uk or call the box office on 02476 55 3055.