Venue: The Lowry Theatre - Salford Quays
Date: 16th March 2022
Our Verdict: An innovative but respectful take on a timeless classic, well worth a viewing with the family.
As a long time fan of the 1971 iconic film I had high expectations for the theatrical adaptation and I was not left feeling disappointed.
As an adult I can look back with fondness when I remember the vividly the deliciously colourful visuals and equally captivating tunes I bore witness to as a child, all of which I am happy to report, translate well from the silver cinema screen to the well trodden boards of the Lowry's Lyric Stage.
The addition of Neil Bartram's new lyrics and musical score only helps bring the story to life once more for another generation to enjoy. The new music blends flawlessly with the classical Sherman Brothers score from the movie which we love so well.
What Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison have created is a magical retelling of a timeless classic for the entire family to enjoy.
For those who have not seen the original material, the story in short is that of siblings Charles, Carrie and Paul Rawlins who are orphaned and fleeing war torn London to the safety of the countryside where they come to find themselves in the care of trainee witch Miss Evangeline Price, played perfectly by Dianne Pilkington who puts her own unique spin on the character formerly played by screen legend Angela Lansbury.
Calling upon the aid of the children now in her care as well as that of her bewitched broomstick and magical bedknob, Miss Price sets off on a quest to discover the long lost spell named 'Substitutionary Locomotion' which in the hands of the right witch can bring life to inanimate objects.
What follows is a delightfully surreal and equally ridiculous fantasy adventure set upon a magical flying bedstead, a meeting with the eccentric magician Emelius Browne (Charles Brunton), an underwater dance contest with the fishes as well as a terrifyingly close call at being eaten by the lion ruler of mythical Nepeepo, King Leonidas.
But that is just the start of the adventure to come as the children and their strange carer return home to defend the country from the jack boot of the evil Nazi's by using magic to bring to life the contents of the local military museum to defend the sacred isle.
The story telling is first class and the adaptation to stage is utterly flawless in its implementation. The sets are just as mesmerising and magnificent as the visuals from the cinema release, if not vastly more so.
It is the perfectly ensembled cast that pull the whole show together, as whilst you are in their presence the audience is transported on that flying bedstead along with them, you really feel as if that magical fantasy world has come to life in front of your very own eyes.
Charles Brunton gives an energetic performance as the quirky Emelius Browne which is a delight to behold, whilst Dianne Pilkington was the perfect choice to take on such a beloved role as Evangeline Price.
As for the children, they were fantastic, professional throughout and never missed a cue.
If for some bizarre reason you have not seen the film then fear not, you are in for a pleasant surprise, if however you have then get ready to take a step into the silver screen as it is even better up close and personal as a theatrical performance.
It is a perfect theatrical adaptation of an all time screen classic.
Bedknobs & Broomsticks runs from the 15th to the 19th of March 2022 at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre and we thoroughly recommend it.
Casting
Charles Brunton plays Emelius Browne. Charles starred in the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda both in the West End and on Broadway. Other credits include Love Never Dies, Chess and Scrooge.
The rest of the company includes Mark Anderson, Jessica Aubrey, Georgie Buckland, Kayla Carter, Jonathan Cobb, Jacqui Dubois, Matthew Elliot-Campbell, Sam Lupton, Rob Madge, Vinnie Monachello, Nathaniel Morrison, Conor O’Hara, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Robin Simoes Da Silva, Emma Thornett and Susannah Van Den Berg.
The Rawlins children are played by Dexter Barry, Izabella Bucknell, Haydn Court, Poppy Houghton, Evie Lightman and Aidan Oti.
For tickets and information please see this link: https://bit.ly/363TofF
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