STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SUNDAY 2ND MARCH 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
As a child, who wouldn’t have fantasised about swapping their parents for rich, energetic, laid back and famous ones? Last night, I caught a glimpse of that fantasy turning into reality. David Baddiel, renowned among adults for his stand-up comedy, is also an accomplished children’s author. His bestselling book, The Parent Agency, was first published in 2014 and went on to win the Laugh Out Loud Award. This production marks the 10th anniversary of Baddiel’s book, which has now been transformed into a hilarious new family musical, adapted by Baddiel himself.
Last night, I was fortunate enough to attend the Gala Night of The Parent Agency at the Storyhouse in Chester. It was a magnificent evening, marking the world premiere of the family musical, with David Baddiel in attendance. He signed copies of his bestselling book and interacted with his enthusiastic young fans!
Based on the book, the musical follows the story of a boy named Barry Bennett, who finds himself in an alternate world where children can choose their own parents. Frustrated with his own parents, whom he considers poor, always tired, overly strict and boring, Barry blames them for his uninspiring name. In his desire for better parental figures, he makes a wish and is suddenly transported to the Parent Agency, a place where kids can select their ideal parents. For Barry, this appears to be a dream come true. However, as he will soon find out, selecting new parents is not as straightforward as it seems…
This production boasts an outstanding cast. Rebecca McKinnis and Rakesh Boury deliver hilarious and incredibly talented performances as Barry’s parents, Susan and Geoff, as well as portraying the other parenting couples in the alternate world. They seamlessly transition between their various roles, ensuring the audience is treated to a laugh-a-minute experience. Their performances consistently stand out as a highlight. Among the standout characters are the exceedingly posh and flamboyant Lord and Lady Rador-Wellorff.
During last night’s performance, Max Bispham delivered a remarkable portrayal of Barry. He captivated the audience for the entire two-hour show, which is an impressive achievement for any performer, particularly someone of his age. His acting, singing, dancing and comedy timing were all exceptional.
The supporting cast also delivers impressive performances, with special recognition given to the captivating Elliot Broadfoot, who masterfully plays multiple roles as amusing characters, stealing nearly every scene—particularly as Peevish.
The production includes several catchy musical numbers by the renowned songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells, who is not only the lead singer of The Feeling but also the composer of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Notably, the songs The Rador-Wellorffs and Gonna Make You Sweat are delightfully whimsical, enhanced by an exceptional creative team that brings together stunning set designs, choreography, and costumes. And let’s not overlook the fabulous wigs and makeup!
The Parent Agency is an immensely entertaining and enchanting new family musical that is brimming with heart and promises to captivate and ignite the imagination of audiences of all ages!