Bedknobs and Broomsticks @ Liverpool Empire Review

The first ever stage adaptation of 1971 Disney classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks flew into the Liverpool Empire Theatre this week!  We went on Wednesday evening and entered a world of magic and fantasy with the original songs by the legendary Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), including Portobello Road, The Age Of Not Believing, The Beautiful Briny and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill.

When the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from wartime London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead. Upon discovering Eglantine to be a trainee witch, they join forces to search for a secret spell that will defeat the enemy once and for all. Armed with an enchanted bedknob, a bewitched broomstick and a magical flying bed, they encounter surprising new friendships on their journey from Portobello Road to the depths of the beautiful briny sea.

Conor O’Hara plays the oldest of the 3 children, Charlie Rawlins and is determined to keep them together and happy at all costs.He has great stage presence throughout and creates a strong sense of family and unity with the two younger children, Paul (Jasper Hawes) and Carrie (Poppy Houghton). Hawes and Houghton are everything you would hope they would be and more, showing all the emotions of two youngsters going through a traumatic time, but making the most of what they have.

Overall the show is a massive hit and a great form of escapism and magic! 

Click here to buy tickets for the tour!