The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 2nd January 2022
Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough
5*****
Michael Harrisons new musical version of Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a magical tale full of adventure. Based on the classic Disney film from 1971 it tells the story of the three Rawlins children who are left orphaned during world war two. They find themselves evacuated to the country and living with Miss Eglantine Price (Dianne Pilkington), who they soon discover is a witch. They work together to discover a spell to help end the war for good and ensure there are no more casualties. They find themselves travelling on an enchanted bed to the most magical places including the Island of Nopeepo, a land ruled by animals.
Some of the songs from the original film including Portobello Road and The Age of Not Believing are included which are interspersed with new music written for the musical by the Sherman Brothers. This production is fun for all the family and an excellent alternative to the traditional panto at this time of year.
The cast give a fantastic performance, particularly the young actors playing the youngest Rawlins children Paul and Carrie. The show is full of wondrous special effects which will leave you asking How did they do that?! Including flying beds and broomsticks and inanimate objects coming to life! The way in which things were shown to be moving was doing in a very clever and stylish way so you soon forgot there were people guiding the fish underwater, during the ballroom dance competition and moving the clouds and bushes as Miss Price flew through sky on her broomstick.
The whole production was a magical and a very enjoyable experience, with or without children it’s a definite must see this Christmas.