Reviews

Room On The Broom (Birmingham)

WhatsOnStage Reviewer
As one of Julia Donaldson’s most famous stories, and one set partially in the sky – Room On The Broom was never going to be easy to adapt for the stage. Who better then than the award-winning Tall Stories, creators of The Gruffalo Live, to bring this much loved picture book and its characters to the theatre.

Keeping youngsters aged two upwards entranced and riveted to their seats for nearly an hour is no easy feat – and it’s one that Tall Stories do exceptionally well.

With just one simple set depicting a forest, four hard-working actors, a broom and a selection of cute hand-puppets, the tale of the witch, her cat and the broom that everyone wants to ride on was brought to life with incredible energy and passion, first class improvisation and impeccable timing.

Audience participation started from the moment youngsters took their seats by the cast firstly dressed as campers walking around the venue, before a quick costume change to the witch, cat and two narrators who doubled as puppeteers.

With much “wooshing” through the air, crashing to the ground, and a good helping of “hocus pocus” the young audience was enthralled.

Witch Avery and her cat were excellent but the puppeteers stole the show bringing the frog, dog, bird and the colourful Welsh dragon to life with incredible ease.

A collection of catchy songs which expanded on the original story cemented the success of what was a fantastic morning at the theatre.

– Fiona McCartney