Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Milton Keynes Theatre & Touring

Dianne Pilkington in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Picture: Johan Persson

Bedknobs and Broomsticks continues at Milton Keynes Theatre until 19 September and then tours until 1 May 2022.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

With its world premiere at Milton Keynes Theatre, Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks flies into town, wowing the crowds with stellar performances and a mesmerising set.

Following the journey of three children, who are orphaned by the Blitz in London and evacuated to the countryside to live with the mysterious Miss Eglantine Price (Dianne Pilkington), imaginations run wild as the audience is introduced to witchcraft, magic and adventure. The children join forces with trainee witch Miss Price, a flying bed and a cast of mythical characters in search of a spell which will defeat the looming enemy. Set against a backdrop of the Second World War, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a treat for all the family and will have you laughing, potentially sobbing, but most importantly, transfixed throughout.

Whether you’ve seen the classic Disney film from 1971 or not, the stage version of the musical carves its own path to bring it to life in the theatre. The familiar songs, characters and storyline remain, but nothing can prepare you for seeing the performance play out live in front of your eyes.

Pulled together by the incredible revolving set, which smoothly transitions from London streets to underwater wonderland, every detail has been thought out by the production team (directors Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison, choreographer and movement director Neil Bettles and more) – it’s honestly breathtaking.

The main cast of Pilkington (Price), Charles Brunton (Emelius Browne), Conor O’Hara (Charlie Rawlins), Poppy Houghton (Carrie Rawlins) and Dexter Barry (Paul Rawlins) carry out an impeccable performance, with every song, dance and scene filled with emotion and heart. Complemented by the accompanying characters and ensemble, who seamlessly move the set, act as puppeteers and harmonise the songs – I was enthralled by every minute of the show.

Last but not least, the superb orchestra, directed by Laura Bangay, is the secret ingredient to bring this world to life. It’s a show that I can’t stop thinking about and would encourage anyone to go and see – pure, unadulterated escapism for two and a half blissful hours. Bravo to the Bedknobs and Broomsticks team and Milton Keynes Theatre.

Hannah Grimmette