Bedknobs & Broomsticks could somewhat be seen as Mary Poppins’ younger sibling. Disney must’ve been hoping Bedknobs would capitalise on the triumph of the earlier magical children’s guardian, although the film was delayed in the late 1960s and early 70s on account of perceived similarities. While not as big as Poppins, it’s still a fondly remembered classic, and now it’s been turned into a stage musical – currently playing at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. But can it enchant audiences as much as that particular nanny already has?
The mysterious Eglantine Price, a trainee witch, takes in a trio of orphaned siblings during the blitz. Price and her charges, along with the enchanted bedknob and bewitched broomstick of the title – not to mention a flying bed – join forces to search for a secret spell to defeat the enemy, meeting magical characters along the way, from a famous London road to “bobbing along” under the sea.
Dianne Pilkington has the unenviable task of making you forget about Angela Lansbury, the film’s Eglantine, but she does an amazing job here at the WMC. Her voice reminded me of Glynis Johns: that sort of classy English accent, crystal clear and beautiful while singing. Even at the beginning, when she’s apathetic towards the children, she’s still likeable. Recent Mountview graduate Conor O’Hara has the awkward job of playing a 13-year-old, but he gets one of the new songs that is reprised throughout and is a joy to watch.
Yes, those memorable Sherman Brothers songs are featured, along with new songs and additional music written for the stage. Of course, Portobello Road is the standout set piece in act one, just as The Beautiful Briny is of act two. Of the new songs, It’s Now – sung by Charles Brunton’s Emelius Browne – and end number Onward are rousing additions, while oldest child Charlie’s Negotiality fits in nicely with the Disney originals.
If you remember the film version of Bedknobs & Broomsticks, you’ll recall the animated set pieces and may wonder how they do them onstage – with puppets. Imagine the puppetry of War Horse with a Disney feel: you really have to see the lion, King Leonidas, for yourself, and a mention must go to puppet designer Kenneth MacLeod. Likewise, the set and scenery for act one – set designer Jamie Harrison’s Blitz-ravaged London and Portobello Road are like pages of a life-sized pop-up book.
While Bedknobs & Broomsticks does have failings, they are made up for with an abundance of charm and theatre magic. I’m honestly jealous of the young audience members watching it through children’s eyes in Cardiff, though big kids will love this as well.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 2 Feb
Bedknobs & Broomsticks runs until Fri 5 Feb. Tickets: £18.50-£65. Info: here
words CHRIS WILLIAMS photos JOHAN PERSSON
