Following on from successful productions such as Mary Poppins and Frozen, Disney casts its magic once again with a production of the classic film Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which plays at The King’s Theatre as part of its UK tour.
The popular tale is set in World War Two and follows three siblings as they are evacuated from the dangerous bombings in London to live safely in the countryside. They are assigned to live with the very unmaternal Miss Eglantine Price who is rather reluctant to inherit three children into her care.
However the children soon learn that Miss Price harbours a secret – she is an apprentice witch with a plan to use her spooky spells to save England from the Nazi invasion. Agreeing to help Miss Price, the children join in on an incredible adventure through fantasy lands as they learn more about each other and the true meaning of family.
The cast are slick and professional, more than exceeding the high standards of Disney productions. In particular Dianne Pilkington shines as the prim and proper Miss Price, effortlessly fufilling the role of the leading lady. However it is clear that the true star of the show is the imaginative set design and the magical tricks and witchery shenanigans throughout. The incredible illusions are created by Jamie Harrison who is one of the clever illusionist designers responsible for creating the magic behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Harrison once again does not disappoint with a flying broomstick, inanminate objects suddenly bursting into life, humans transforming into rabbits and of course the main attraction the flying bed which flies across the stage glowing in amber lights and transfixing the audience (especially the little ones).
The show features well known tracks from the original film including Portobello Road and The Beautiful Briny. While some aspects of the film have been left out, the production stays true to the original story with some additional music and lyrics by Neil Bartram.
For audiences young and old Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a fun family show that will entertain every audience in that famous Disney style fashion.