Bedknobs and Broomsticks is without a doubt one of the top classics of my childhood. Bobbing along, Singing a song,
on the bottom of the beautiful briny sea in grandma and granddads living room in the 80’s and early 90’s are memories I now treasure (such a good one). And, fun fact – I chose our style of bed based purely on the fact I wanted a traditional one that looked like the one from Bedknobs and Broomsticks that would be fun for all the kids to pile into for story adventures – true story! And, that’s how much this film impacted me I guess, and how much I loved it.
It was such a delight to take Megan to Hull New Theatre on Tuesday night on a mummy daughter date, to open up the magic of this long loved story, and experience together the magic, music and moving story brought to life on stage.
Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks has made its world premiere as an exciting new stage musical with the original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny, and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill.
It is a story set in wartime London that takes you on an adventure into the world of magic and fantasy. When the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from wartime London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead. Upon discovering Eglantine to be a trainee witch, they join forces to search for a secret spell that will defeat the enemy once and for all. Armed with an enchanted bedknob, a bewitched broomstick and a magical flying bed, they encounter surprising new friendships on their journey from Portobello Road to the depths of the beautiful briny sea.
This play was absolutely brilliant and was brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison. And, what can we say? Well, It was captivating and magical from start to finish and the opening scene created a wave of “wow” across the audience – it was absolutely fantastic. We were suddenly flung from a small cosy attic bedroom, and into the war torn streets of London – with a bright moon, terrifying air raids, planes and evacuation.
The scenery throughout was extremely creative and well done. Each scene immersed you deeper and deeper into the adventure and made you feel like you really were in a museum, on a train, under the moon, beneath a flying broomstick and of course; the bottom of the beautiful briny sea. The magic wow’d us and our jaws dropped in joy and amazement on more than one occasion, and we loved how they had introduced puppets where in the film there are animals and this element exuberated further charm and creativity. Not to mention that these characters were very funny and had adults and children alike giggling at their lines and interactions.
I think the Portobello Road song was definitely a favourite scene, a long with each moment of magic and the Beautiful Briny Sea! Megan thought that the “turning people into Rabbits” was brilliant, and overall said she loved how magical the bed was when it flew; “I absolutely loved their singing too. The children were so good at singing and acting and, It’s a really exciting show and very funny and magical”.
If you’re looking for something exciting and entertaining to do this Easter, then head on down to Hull New Theatre for some magic, witchcraft, hilarious attempts to fly on a broomstick and musical joyfulness – especially, if like me you relished in this classic film as a child. It’s one generations will love. Tickets start from £20 and can be booked HERE
*Tickets for this show were gifted in return for our review.
I am going to have to go and see it!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk