The story, which sadly is a victim of timing at the moment, features three children evacuated to the country from war-torn London. There they become placed in the care of the mysterious Miss Price, who just also has received a mysterious package as well. From here spirals, a fantastical tale full of fun and interesting and weird characters.
The production features the original music from the Sherman Brothers, with additional music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill. The magnificent twelve strong orchestra creates the music under the direction of Laura Bangay.
The show itself is a more visual feast for the eyes than the most solid of shows dramatically. It is always fun and entertaining for all ages, but the first act often drags, with many scenes outstaying their welcome. Fortunately, the second act is much better and leaves the audience on a high at the end.
Performances are fabulous throughout, with the young performers Poppy Houghton as Carrie and Aidan Oti as Paul, confident and assured beyond their age. The much older Conor O’Hara plays their brother, 13-year-old Charlie Rawlins, but he has a youthful appearance and appeal, and classic cockney charm, to make him still very much the kid at heart. He also performs his songs with a crisp and clear voice.
Also excellent is Charles Brunton as would-be magician Emelius Browne, played with more than a hint of look and style of Bruce Forsyth, ironically in the original film, but not in this role. Here, Brunton plays the role made famous by the brilliant David Tomlinson, but stamping very much his own mark on the role. He is sprightly and characterful throughout.
Staging is magnificent with a seemingly endless number of tricks up its sleeves from the flying bed, and onto the truly intriguing broomstick scene, which is going to leave you definitely wondering how that was done.
Directors Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison keep the whole show in check, with the handling of some very busy scenes and often many people and props on stage. Rarely is blocking an issue though, which with this show is quite an achievement.
The sound is extremely good in this production, one of the best for some time with lyrics clear in most of the songs. Lighting is vivid as well, with only a few spotting issues early in the show as it struggled to keep up with the movement of the cast.
Overall, this is a brilliant show, suitable for all the family, has some truly brilliantly staged scenes for a touring production, and is full of tricks and mystery.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Wednesday 2nd March 2022 at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.
