Hull New Theatre – until 16th April 2022
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
5*****
Last night I had an utterly magical night at Hull New Theatre watching Bedknobs and Broomsticks. From the very dramatic first scene I was hooked and the performance took my breath away so many times. Bedknobs and Broomsticks has everything, a cracking storyline with superb performances plus scenery, special effects and lighting that will leave you gasping in awe.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks is based on the novels by Mary Norton and Disney Film with original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, this musical has additional music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and the book is written by Brian Hill. The story is about the Rawlins siblings who are orphaned in World War 2 and are evacuated to the country to the home of Eglantine Price (Dianne Pilkington). Miss Price is very reluctant to take the children as she is busy making magic with the aim of making inanimate objects come to live in order to fight the invaders. The children then become involved in her search for the magic.
Having never seen the film of Bedknobs And Broomsticks I had no idea of the storyline and have to admit that I thought I was going to see a somewhat twee cosy show. This is of course nothing of the sort and this production does not shy away from the darkness of the times it is set in and the grief and loneliness of losing loved ones. The opening scene when the children’s’ home is bombed is incredible and I just held my breath at the horror that was unfolding on the stage. However, whilst the production is at times dark it has moments of great joy and humour and throughout carries the message of hope and love.
Dianne Pilkington is perfect for the role of Miss Price with an assured air and certainty about her and little time for anything else but her magic. She has a stunning voice and handled the magical elements wonderfully. The relationships she built with Emelius Browne (Charles Brunton) and the children felt very real.
Charles Brunton made a wonderful Emelius Browne the magician (verging on confidence trickster at the beginning) and “Emelius The Great” was such fun to watch. He brought a great deal of joy to the stage.
I was surprised to discover that this was Conor O’Hara’s professional debut as his performance as Charlie Rawlins was delivered with confidence and skill, as he tried to look after his younger siblings. His voice is fabulous and I suspect this is someone to watch in the future.
Huge credit should be given to Jasper Hawes as Paul Rawlins and Poppy Houghton as Carrie Rawlins, on stage from start to finish they are such a vital part of the story and played their parts with a confidence belying their age, both children have beautiful singing voices.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks is reliant on an incredible ensemble, who helped create the magic, danced, became scenery and generally made this such a wonderful show. The full company number “Portobello Road” was fast and furious and joyous to watch, and “Nopeepo Lagoon was just captivating.
The magic and illusions in this show are perplexing – I am still left wondering how that bed flew, and as to the broomstick and the other illusions, I have no idea.
The Orchestra led by Musical Director Laura Bangay was outstanding, the music fits the scenes so well and at times it seemed to fill the auditorium.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks has everything you need for a great night out at the theatre, it has a storyline with grit, simply outstanding performances from all cast members, beautiful music and stunning illusions. I would go back to see this again at the drop of a hat, this is one of those performances that you know if you see it again you will notice something new or catch a different nuance from one of the characters. Above all else you will leave the theatre filled with hope – this is a must-see show.