‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ musical to make world premiere in 2021

The Disney film will be adapted into a stage show, opening in Newcastle.

With Disney musicals including The Lion King and Mary Poppins in the West End, a new Disney stage show is coming to England. The world premiere of Bedknobs and Broomsticks will open in the UK next year, with performances beginning in August 2021.

Set during the Blitz, Bedknobs and Broomsticks follows three orphaned Rawlins children, evacuated from wartime London to the countryside to live with Eglantine Price. At first, the children don't know what to make of her, but when they discover she's a trainee witch, they join forces to defeat the enemy.

Released in 1971, the original film of Bedknobs and Broomsticks starred Angela Lansbury as Eglantine Price, with David Tomlinson as Emelius Brown. The movie features music by the Sherman Brothers, including "Portobello Road" and "The Age of Not Believing."

The musical's creative team includes a book by Brian Hill, with original music by the Sherman Brothers and new music and lyrics by Neil Bartram. Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison direct, with scenic design by Jamie Harrison, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Simon Wilkinson, sound design by Gareth Fry and choreography by Neil Bettles.

Dianne Pilkington will play Miss Eglantine Price, previously playing Raquel in Only Fools and Horses. Charles Brunton will play Emelius Browne, previously playing Miss Trunchbull in Matilda.

The rest of the company includes Mark Anderson, Jessica Aubrey, Georgie Buckland, Kayla Carter, Jonathan Cobb, Jacqui Dubois, Matthew Elliot-Campbell, Sam Lupton, Rob Madge, Vinnie Monachello, Nathaniel Morrison, Conor O'Hara, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Robin Simoes Da Silva, Emma Thornett and Susannah Van Den Berg.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks will tour from August 2021.

^{Photo credit: Bedknobs and Broomsticks artwork (Artwork courtesy of Disney Theatricals)}

^{Article Originally Published: 14 December 2020}