Bedknobs and Broomsticks at Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

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Thu 11 Nov 2021 - Sun 14 Nov 2021

Apparently, Disney bought the rights to Bedknobs and Broomsticks to make the Angela Lansbury film in case it missed out on getting Mary Poppins.



That makes sense watching this new musical as it has much in common with the famous nanny.

I remember as a child watching and loving the Disney movie and couldn't imagine how that imaginative combination of film and cartoon action sequences with animals could convert to stage at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham, where it stays until Sunday.

But this Bedknobs and Broomsticks show has all of that charm of the film along with unbelievable special effects and clever puppetry to make it a believable reality.

The premise is around three siblings orphaned during a bombing raid in London during the Second World War and rehomed with an eccentric woman in the countryside.



Here they find strange magical goings-on (including a flying broomstick and flying bed) that lead them on an exciting adventure to track down a spell that could help win the war.

In the lead role as Miss Eglantine Price is an outstanding Dianne Pilkington. She has a stunning voice and wonderful comic timing in a role with very similar traits to Mary Poppins, but more human and softer on the edges.

Charles Brunton is opposite her as magician Emelius Browne, who has a gentle likeable presence on stage.

The children are impressive too and although Conor O'Hara is an adult playing the eldest, 13-year-old Charlie, it works well, partly due to his enthusiasm and guidance to the two younger actors under his wing.

As good as all the actors are, it's the imaginative approach to the staging and set design that stands out.


Bedknobs and Broomsticks takes creativity to another level with moving scenery around the cast and a slick operation that Disney excels at to keep the story moving.

There's objects flying around from early on and it quickly ends up becoming a magical mix of Mary Poppins meets Harry Potter with fantastic special effects that leave adults, let alone children, open-mouthed in wonder.

The use of puppets for animals is done so well, in a similar way to War Horse and the RSC's Christmas production of the Magician's Elephant this year. You hardly notice the actors manipulating the puppets and get totally lost in the plot.

The ostrich frets, the bear is adorable while you'll be scared of the lion and want to take the rabbit home. Children were completely hypnotised by it all.

The songs are a delight with the most familiar being The Beautiful Briny as they dance along the bottom of the beautiful briny sea among glowing fish. It's just mesmerising.



It feels like no expense has been spared by Disney on costumes, sets, special effects and casting the right acting and productions teams.

I was completely wow-ed by this amazing show and can't recommend enough for people to see it, whatever the age. It's fun, uplifting, vibrant and very very special.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is without a doubt the best musical I've seen this year that makes you believe in flying beds, dancing under the sea & magic. Don't miss it!

Rating: & #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;

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!date 11/11/2021 -- 14/11/2021
%wnbirmingham