Review: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, UK Tour at the Palace Theatre, Manchester

The last few months have been BIG for Disney Theatrical. They’ve of course had the Broadway transfer of Frozen open at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, as well as The Lion King and Mary Poppins re-open. But also on tour, a brand new tour of Beauty & the Beast has launched, AND a brand new work based on an underrated, but still beloved gem. 

Last week, I got to see the brand new production of the classic Bedknobs & Broomsticks, based on the 1971 film of the same name, while it was playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

Set during WW2, it follows three orphaned children who are evacuated to the countryside under the care of Miss Eglantine Price; who is a trainee witch… of course. Miss Price is on a mission to search for one special spell which could aid the war effort big time - and when the children discover her secret, they, along with Professor Emelius Browne are taken on a magical adventure. 

I must say first and foremost, that this is possibly the most creative show I have seen so far this year. And that is predominantly how the creative team have managed to keep the magic of the film and translate it to the stage. 

The set going from the children’s bedroom, to war-torn London, to the train taking the to the countryside and the rendezvous point at the museum… all without dialogue and instead full of percussion beats! This is truly an example of the magic of theatre in motion. 

I’m only scratching the surface with this. How does the bed glow and fly? How is Miss Price able to fly on her broom, and make the broom have a mind of its own? How do they do the effects when characters would turn into rabbits? It’s a secret! One that I would not want set and illusions designer Jamie Harrison to divulge at all. 

One other thing you will love right away is the costumes, designed by Oliver winner Gabriella Slade - who designed those now legendary outfits for the Queens at SIX! For Portobello Road, we had an amalgamation of Oliver’s Consider Yourself and the citizens of Oz’s costumes in One Short Day from Wicked. For Beautiful Briny Sea, it was a combination of blue hair (courtesy of wig designer Sam Cox) and shimmering fabrics and sequins. They also blended into the puppetry as well, making the puppet stand out rather than the actor playing them. 

Oh yeah, so remember the animated bits of the film? This is where the puppetry comes in. My favourite being Norton the camp Northern fish, played by Rob Madge. I never thought seeing them play a fish wearing a bow tie would be something I needed in my life, but here we are…! 

Speaking of cast, let’s round off with them shall we? Leading was theatre community legend Diane Pilkington, one of those actresses I feel now everyone has to see her in at some point in their life. She was perfectly cast as Miss Price in my opinion, having this whimsical sparkle in her eye. She walks that fine line of paying respect to Angela Lansbury’s performance, but still making the role her own. Same with Charles Brunton (The Producers) as Emelius Browne taking on the much-loved David Tomlinson role. Finally, the three children: Connor O’Hara, Evie Lightman and Jasper Howes: all incredibly talented. 

You cannot find a more perfect show for family young or old than Bedknobs & Broomsticks. All of the classic Sherman Brothers songs are in there, with some new pieces that still carry the same style as the legendary duo. But most importantly, it is one of those shows I think people are going to look back and think THIS was the one that gave them the magic of live theatre. 

The ONLY negative I have is that sadly the night I went, we had an etiquette issue or two…. But that is a story for another time. 

If you have missed the run in Manchester and live in the area, don’t fret. Though the run at the Palace is over, it will be coming to Salford’s Lowry next year - and I will happily join you! This is one I would LOVE to see again!!