⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a spellbinding, magical and utterly enchanting show.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks took to the stage of The Alexandra Theatre last night for what was a truly sensational performance that I want to stand on the rooftops and shout about.
I am not surprised that this show has nearly sold out (be quick to book the last few tickets). Directors Jamie Harrison (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and Candice Edmunds, along with Composer and Lyricist Neil Bartram have created a show of dreams. A show that will have you believing in magic, whatever age you are.
The stage design was remarkable and wowed from start to finish. “Just how?” was a question I asked myself over and over again. There’s a real thaumaturgy throughout the show and I’m still trying to work out how some of the magic was created.
For those who haven’t seen the film of the same name, the story is about the three Rawlins children, Paul, Carrie and Charlie (Conor O’hara) who after being left orphans due to the war are evacuated from London and move to live with Miss Eglantine Price (Dianne Pilkington) who has a certain, lets say, mysteriousness about her. What adventures will take place?
The show saw my daughter Matilda sit with her mouth wide open in awe and wonder at some of the magic on stage, laughter at various parts and even a section where she sobbed. It was a magical experience for her. Jemima, my youngest daughter spent the whole show mesmerised, eager to see what new magic was about to happen. They both loved the show and awoke this morning full of excitement and passion about how brilliant the musical was. Excited to tell their friends that they has seen “the BEST Disney show ever”.
The performance from Dianne Pilkington as Eglantine was marvellous. Pitch perfect, performance perfect, everything perfect. Her rendition of ‘The Age of Not Believing’ in the first Act was superb. I think Dianne may just have taken the spot of my favourite theatre performance ever.
I loved the portrayal of fun and quirky Emelius Browne a ‘Magician’ by Charles Brunton and it isn’t hard to see why his stage skills have seen him on both the West End and Broadway before.
This stage show had talent from every corner but to finish on two more stand out performers; Conor O’Hara who played the role of Charlie Rawkins, the older sibling should be incredibly proud of his professional debut in this production. I think with his acting skills and singing performance (I loved his performance of ‘Negotiality’), we are going to be seeing lots more of Conor over the coming years. And Matthew Elliot-Campbell who played King Leonidas, A Lion, was superb. Amazing stage presence and his performance had my eldest daughter sat on the edge of her seat for a better look.
If you are looking for a magical show to take the family to, then Disney Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Magical Musical is the one for you. The show is at The Alexandra Theatre until Sunday 14th November and you can purchase tickets here: Buy Tickets Here
It will be an experience that you will never forget.
Disclaimer: We were kindly invited along to the press showing of Bedknobs and Broomsticks. All views, thoughts and opinions are entirely our own. Photos by Johan Persson.
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