Winnie The Pooh At Theatre Royal, Nottingham review

Reviewed by Tom H

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation takes audiences on a heart warming journey into the Hundred Acre Wood, where A.A. Milne’s beloved characters come alive in a beautifully-crafted production. With a talented creative team at the helm, including set designers Jack Golden and Joshua Warner, lighting designer Jamie Roderick, costume designer Lindsay McWilliams, composer Nate Edmondson, and the incredible puppetry work by Rockefeller Productions, this musical offers a delightful experience for both young and old.

Staying true to the familiar characters, the production skillfully captures their essence, ensuring that fans of the original stories will feel right at home. The ensemble cast deserves applause, with every actor delivering noteworthy performances. However, special mention must be made for the actors portraying Tigger and Winnie the Pooh. They bring boundless energy and charisma to their roles, infusing the characters with an infectious joy that radiates throughout the theatre.

The original songs composed by Nate Edmondson are a true highlight of the musical. They strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and newness, seamlessly blending the Grammy award-winning songs by the Sherman Brothers from the original animated features with Edmondson’s fresh compositions. The music creates a sense of enchantment, evoking fond memories and stirring emotions within the audience.

Among the many memorable moments, Tigger’s entrance receives resounding cheers from the audience. This scene bursts with energy and excitement, as Tigger’s exuberance fills the stage, captivating both children and adults alike. It is a true showstopper that perfectly encapsulates the spirit and charm of this beloved character.

The use of puppets in the production is nothing short of remarkable. Designed and built by the talented team at Rockefeller Productions, the puppets are larger-than-life and meticulously crafted to resemble Disney’s original character designs. They are “full of fluff” and covered in fur or feathers, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. The puppetry work brings an added layer of magic to the stage, allowing the characters to come alive and deeply resonate with the audience.

The set design, lighting, and props in the production contribute to the overall enchanting atmosphere. From the beautifully designed garden signs with cleverly labeled “kerits,” adding a whimsical touch, to the expertly executed lighting that sets the mood and enhances the visual spectacle, every detail has been thoughtfully considered.

While the majority of the musical maintains a consistent pace and engages the audience, there are occasional moments towards the end where the storytelling becomes slightly slow. Additionally, a few narrative flaws may be noticeable, but they are minor blemishes that do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the production.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation masterfully captures the essence and charm of the original characters, staying faithful to the stories that have enchanted generations of children. It is a perfect choice for parents who wish to introduce their kids to the world of theatre, creating magical and lasting memories for the whole family.

In conclusion, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation is a beautiful and enjoyable production that successfully brings the beloved characters to life on stage. With its nostalgic songs, lovable performances, breathtaking puppetry, and enchanting atmosphere, this musical offers an experience that will warm the hearts of audiences of all ages.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £16.50. Winnie the Pooh is at Nottingham Theatre Royal from 28th Jun to 1st July, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/disneys-winnie-the-pooh/ or call the box office on 0115 989 5555. Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND