Bedknobs and Broomsticks musical reviews – what did the critics make of new show?

Reviews have dropped for the brand new Bedknobs and Broomsticks musical – what did the critics make of it?

With songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers, including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny and a new book, music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill; Bedknobs & Broomsticks will be brought to life by award-winning theatre-makers Jamie Harrison (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and Candice Edmunds.

Based on the iconic Disney movie of the same name, when the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead.

The new production opened at the Newcastle’s Theatre Royal on August and is currently touring the UK throughout 2021 and into 2022 with a cast featuring Dianne Pilkington, Jacqui DuBois, Charles Brunton and Conor O’Hara as Charlie.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks musical reviews

The Telegraph – 4/5
“In what must be the most sumptuous-looking touring show of the year, Bedknobs and Broomsticks brings to life a film that has delighted many since its 1971 premiere but has never had its moment of definitive creative realisation.” – Read the full review

The Times – 4/5
“It’s a big season for musicals taken from films, with Back to the Future and Frozen also opening in the West End. If either of them match the vim and theatricality of this spectacular based on the 1971 Disney film, the year is looking up.” – Read the full review

BroadwayWorld- 5/5
“Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a whimsical theatrical triumph. And if you, like this writer, faced the age of not believing long ago, it’s high time we remembered to embrace the child within and start believing in the healing power of live theatre once again.” – Read the full review

Daily Mail – 3/5
“A mash-up of Mary Poppins and The Wizard Of Oz, with touches of Narnia, Candice Edmunds’s lively production tries to plump up the slightly flimsy plot with a constant procession of props – including clouds and trees above and below the flying bed.” – Read the full review

WhatsOnStage- 4/5
“Dianne Pilkington is exemplary as Miss Price […] With plenty of magic and wonder, spellbinding illusions and a shining cast, this new take on a classic is certainly bobbing along rather nicely.” – Read the full review

The Guardian – 2/5
“This stage update adds new songs to the much-loved movie caper but despite deft illusions it lacks sparkle and eccentricity.” – Read the full review

Bedknobs and Broomsticks musical plays across the UK throughout 2021 and into 2022.

Book Bedknobs and Broomsticks musical tour tickets here »

Following its run in Newcastle, the show moves to Canterbury, Southend, Dublin, Milton Keynes, Woking, Norwich, Nottingham, Eastbourne, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Dartford, Leeds, Southampton, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester, Liverpool, Northampton, Plymouth, Wolverhampton and Belfast.