Review: The Worst Witch musical for magical witching galore
When we were exiting the Vaudeville Theatre on Tuesday, it was hard to focus on finding the way out, as I was bombarded with comments on the show we had just watched from my ‘plus one’. We had been to review the new The Worst Witch musical, and the discussion was focused on whether the highlight was the disappearing act, or perhaps something deeper–something you had to know the Jill Murphy book series to pick up on.
But in my view, you didn’t have to be a The Worst Witch devotee to realise that this stage adaptation by Emma Reeves, directed by Theresa Heskins, hit the spot when it came to delivering a delightful musical with the right amount of magic and flair. The show is based on the popular The Worst Witch book series by Jill Murphy, which follows Mildred Hubble’s adventures in witch school.
In the stage adaptation, Mildred and her classmates are putting on a school production, and after a short introduction to their show, theatre-goers are treated to this school show. But this is far from the average school production. The backdrop is a large structure in the shape of a spooky castle, and a wacky teacher-duo and two students are playing a range of live instruments on stage.
The brilliance lies in the storyline, which brings us back to the beginning of Mildred’s adventures and starts with her accidental arrival at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. The clumsy Mildred battles through the curriculum and friendship dramas, while constantly being faced with the ultimate mean girl Ethel Hallow. Without magic in her genes, Mildred might be the worst witch, but as an outsider she’s also very likeable and funny to watch.
In the first act, Halloween celebrations sees the witches take to the sky, with Mildred and her best friend Maud practically performing an acrobatic display, hanging up-side down from their broomsticks. When Mildred suddenly came flying through the moon, it felt like the performance reached a giggle-worthy climax. While this was in my view one of the memorable moments of the show, my younger ‘plus one’ was set on Mildred’s song being an essential highlight, and I think the at times jazzy music on stage gave the musical a fresh and contemporary feel. Some of the tunes were particularly catchy, with ‘Don’t you know you’re the witching kind’ still being a phrase that’s stuck in my mind, and I also find myself regularly pretend rapping–”When I say join, you say circle!” – a part from the end of the show when the audience were asked to help perform magic.
According to my plus one–a Jill Murphy fan–the best part was still Miss Hardbroom hugging Mildred. I can’t say I got that one, but I think the best critics of family shows are usually my younger sidekicks. The Worst Witch delivers a delightful mix of magic tricks, spells, live music and dancing ideal for fans of the Jill Murphy books and Netflix show.
The Worst Witch is playing at Vaudeville Theatre until 8 September. The running time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one interval, and the musical is recommended for children aged 7+.
Photos by Alastair Muir
Related Posts
Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory returns to London with Wimbledon run →
Review: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brings a magical musical display to New Wimbledon Theatre →
Review: David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny for a festive family treat →
