Birmingham Hippodrome – until Sunday 12th April 2026
Reviewed by Nadia Dodd
4****
The Cottingley Fairies by Claire Packham and Fintan Kealy, and performed by the British Youth Music Theatre, is a charming and gently magical production that sparkles with imagination while never losing its emotional heart. Inspired by the real-life Cottingley fairy photographs, the show leans into the joy of make-believe, inviting the audience to see the world through a lens of curiosity, creativity, and just a touch of mischief.
From the very beginning, there’s a playful, storybook quality to the staging. Clever lighting and projections bring a sense of wonder to the Yorkshire setting, transforming the everyday into something quietly extraordinary. The transitions between reality and fantasy are handled with a light touch, giving the production an easy, flowing rhythm that keeps the audience engaged.
Fintan Kealy’s score adds to this sense of delight, offering a mix of upbeat, toe-tapping numbers and softer, more reflective moments. The music feels approachable and fun. It provides the perfect platform for the talented young musical theatre cast, who embrace every moment with enthusiasm and confidence.
That cast is very much the beating heart of the show. Their energy is infectious, and there’s a genuine sense of joy in their performances that lifts the entire production. Whether in lively ensemble numbers or quieter character moments, they bring warmth, humour, and a refreshing sincerity to the stage. The central performances capture a lovely balance of cheekiness and innocence, making it easy to believe in both the girls’ imaginative games and the emotional truths beneath them.
Claire Packham’s writing keeps things engaging without becoming overly serious, allowing the story’s more thoughtful ideas to emerge naturally. There’s a gentle humour running throughout, particularly in the way the adult characters react to the fairy phenomenon, which adds a welcome lightness and keeps the tone buoyant. The script understands that sometimes it’s more fun to wonder what if than to pin everything down with certainty.
The choreography follows suit, used sparingly but effectively to enhance the sense of play. Rather than over-defining the fairy world, it hints at it, encouraging the audience to join in the act of imagination. This restraint works beautifully, giving the show an airy, unforced charm.
In the end, The Cottingley Fairies is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre that celebrates storytelling, creativity, and the simple pleasure of believing in something magical. With its talented young musical theatre cast leading the way, it leaves the audience smiling—and perhaps just a little more willing to keep an eye out for fairies.