Bedknobs And Broomsticks At Theatre Royal, Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

Disney Magic has arrived in Plymouth this week and what an incredible treat for the Theatre Royal audiences.
Although one of the lesser known Disney films – everyone seems a bit vague about the storyline and just remembers the flying bed!- it certainly has all the elements for an amazing night at the theatre.

The wonderful Theatre Royal Plymouth has been home to numerous Disney classics over the years and has certainly secured a winner with this touring production. Being situated on the main Royal Parade in Plymouth – poignantly decorated at the moment with Ukrainian coloured lighting – the theatre is easy to access by bus or car. Several nearby car parks offer ample parking within walking distance – just park and be led by the huge Messenger statue into the theatre foyer. The front of house staff are always welcoming – checking tickets at the door and directing you to your seats. Although the coffee shop which was always a great meeting place remains closed, you are able to enjoy a coffee or drink before the show in the bar area.

On arriving last evening, the foyer was abuzz with families of all ages awaiting a magical evening. The storyline of this Disney classic – originally a 1971 film staring the unforgettable Dame Angela Lansbury – is the evacuation of three orphan children from war torn London to the the countryside into the care of a Miss Eglantine Price. Miss Price (played by Dianne Pilkington) is an apprentice witch who has been studying witch craft and is determined that her magical powers will enable her to aid the war effort. The one spell she is unable to crack however is that of ‘substitutiary locomotion’ – a spell that will bring objects to life. With the assistance of the children, her old magician tutor Emelius Browne ( played by Charles Brunton ) and the amazing flying bed, she embarks on numerous adventures of discovery and magic.

And what a magical show! Rarely in one production do you get to see characters being turned into rabbits, a bed that moves around and actually flies, various objects taking on lives of their own and a witch actually flying on her broomstick!!

As the story unfolds, the way the company moved the ever-changing scenery around was mesmerising. Everything was turned and glided into place with ease and precision.

With all the original songs composed by the Sherman Brothers included, plus a few newly added ones by Neil Bartram, it was a musical extravaganza. Classics like A Step in The Right Direction, Portobello Road, The Age of Not Believing and Negotiality were performed with strength and feeling by the whole company. The iconic ‘Bobbing along on the Beautiful Briny Sea’ was well portrayed with brilliant puppetry and costumes.

Dianne Pilkington as Eglantine Price was outstanding – really fulfilling the role well. Charles Brunton as Magician Emelius Browne really entertained with his magic tricks and Conor O’Hara played the teenage role of Charlie with great sensitivity. The two younger children Carrie and Paul were played by two of the eight children touring with the company. They were outstanding with clear diction and beautiful singing voices. Very talented youngsters.
The highlight for everyone was the flying bed – there was such silent anticipation as Paul turned the bedknob for the first time and everyone waited for the bed to fly! How was is done? Pure Disney magic!!!

A spell binding production.

Rating: 5/5 rating

Limited tickets still available from £22.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from 8th – 12th March.

Book tickets at www.theatreroyal.com.