Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks - Theatre Review
Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks - Theatre Review
Bedknobs and Broomsticks at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent.
We had the pleasure of going along to The Orchard Theatre in Dartford last night to see the wonderful stage adaptation of Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks!
Now this is a story that goes waaay back to when I was a child and as soon as we knew it was coming to Dartford, I made sure our next movie afternoon was about this lovely family film. I couldn’t believe it, our 8 and 22 year old hadn’t even heard of it before … I feel ashamed!
Armed with a bucket of popcorn, we watched it together and the kids LOVED it!! So, when we were asked to come to Dartford and review the stage show, there was no way we could refuse.
For those of you not old enough to remember, the story is about the Rawlins, three orphaned children, who were evacuated from London during the wartime and were very lucky to end up living in a home belonging to the very magical, but mysterious and ever so lovely Eglantine Price … and soon became owners of an actual, magical flying bed!
This hocus-pocus style musical is every bit exciting as Disney always sets out to be. Full of wonderful songs and entertainment throughout, the retelling of this story was played out beautifully.
This show took you on a magical journey, where you witnessed every scene come to life, it was ridiculously clever how they managed to do it, I am not sure I have seen this before, our lad was even confused at how the cast manged to pull of the stage trickery, we watched broomstick flying, moving furniture, motorbike scenery journeys, fabulous puppetry, underwater scenes … and yes the bedknob made the bed glow and actually flew through the air!
The casting was absolutely superb, Eglantine Price was played by Diane Pilkington, who has previously played endless characters in shows such as Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The 39 Steps, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables and so much more. Her beauty and grace presented her character wonderfully, her singing voice is stunning. If you think Mary Poppins, then you have the right idea!
Charles Brunton played Emelius Browne, who is also no stranger to theatre, previously playing characters in shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Matilda, Oliver! and more, his performance was amazing, he could sing, he could act and he portrayed Emelius superbly.
Conor O’Hara played the eldest child, Charlie Rawlins and was a perfect casting for the cheeky chappy, a 13 year old who cares for his brother and sister, again he could belt out a tune no problem, his London accent was spot on and his energy was fab. Conor has previous credits for acting in Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Assassins and more.
Not forgetting the wonderful performances from the children, Dexter Barry (Paul Rawlins) and Isabella Bucknall (Carrie Rawlins) Well, what a future these two have! They had lovely voices, they didn’t miss a line and played a massive part in this fabulous show!
So, if you love a musical, if you like Theatre, if you love a bit of family time, then get yourself to The Orchard Theatre to see this AMAZING show!
Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a captivating musical that’ll transport your family into a world where magic is real and the witchcraft is enchanting!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is on at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, between 24th-28th November 2021 and tickets are selling fast, so if you’d like to find out more or book tickets, please see their website by clicking here. If you go, you’ll love it, enjoy!!
