Bedknobs and Broomsticks at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Review

Bedknobs and Broomsticks at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Review

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2022-04-07 by dpmfollow

Tue 05 Apr 2022 - Sat 09 Apr 2022

There is a touch of Disney magic dust sprinkled over this production of Bedknobs and Broomsticks - beds that take to the air, fish that can talk and a museum that comes to life at the words of a spell.



A stage adaptation of the much-loved Disney film of 1971, the tale takes us back to England during the Blitz where three children are left orphans after an air raid and evacuated to the home of the somewhat quirky Eglantine Price. Determined to defeat the Nazis with witchcraft, Eglantine takes the children plus con-man magician Emelius Browne on an adventure to discover a magic spell.

It's all nonsense of course and gives both the film and the stage production free reign to create strong characters, great songs, some amazing sets and lots of fun.

A production like this is a dream come true for special effects whizzkids and Jamie Harrison's set and illusions deliver on all fronts. From collapsing houses to underwater worlds, lion puppets and dancing fish through to swords that magically fly and boots that mysteriously walk, this show has it all.



But it is the characters at the heart of the Bedknobs and Broomsticks that make it so special. Dianne Pilkington's Eglantine is as magical as the sets. Initially spiky, she is determined that nothing will stop her from casting her spell and defeating those evil Nazis but we quickly realise that underneath that steely exterior she has the warmest of hearts and the children soon come to love her.

Charles Brunton has just the right balance of fakery and self-delusion as Emelius Browne. Here is a man who has conned his way through life and, when he meets true conviction, isn't sure what to do with it. But, in true Disney fashion, he too is soon won over to the cause.

Conor O'Hara's role as 13-year-old Charlie is challenging not only because he is an adult playing a child but also because that child is on the verge of adulthood and swings back and forth between trying to lead and wanting to be led. Conor's Cockney accent is less convincing than his characterisation and not really necessary when none of the other characters seem to have strong accents.

The children are played by different actors but at press night both excelled with Sapphire Hagon a feisty Carrie and Haydn Court a loveable baby brother Paul.



Fans of the original movie won't be disappointed with the music as there are plenty of well-known songs including The Beautiful Briny, A Step in the Right Direction and Portobello Road with these and new songs being brought together seamlessly by Neil Bartram.

Directed by Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison, the story moves along at a jolly pace, with each scene full of surprises. It has to be said that it is a little incongruous watching Eglantine, Emelius and the children fighting the Nazis with flying shirts when we are so aware of the terrible warfare currently taking place in Ukraine but the story is what it is. Maybe it is more important to focus on its core message that teamwork, friendship, determination and love can defeat any problems.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks plays Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until April 9, see for full information and tickets.

#family
#musicals
#theatre
#theatre -reviews
#theatres
#west_midlands
#wolverhampton
#april
!date 05/04/2022 -- 09/04/2022
%wnbirmingham
70652 - 2023-01-26 01:48:26

Tags

Music
Free
Outdoor
Festivals
Classical_music
Arts_culture
Theatre_shows
Nightlife
Markets
Dance
Family_friendly
Community
Fundraisers
Educational
Food_drink
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226