‘Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom!’ Room on The Broom – Orchard West Theatre, Dartford 01.02.2025
From the get go, it’s such a delight to see new and exciting theatre to help introduce kids into the world of theatre! So when I saw that Room on a Broom was coming to the orchard west, I asked if I could come along and review but also bring my little one with me! So on the 1st of the month, and after some lunch off we walked hand in hand with friends to catch the 13:00 showing!
The auditorium was busy, with little ones excited for what’s in store, awaiting to see a favourite book come to life in front of their eyes. Room On a Broom is the classic children’s story by renowned children’s author Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. The kind witch and her tabby ginger cat are travelling on their broomstick on a mission on their way they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
The play stays true to the book, with the addition of songs and excellent puppetry to keep the children engaged. Maisie loved the breaking of the forth wall as the cast ensured there was plenty of audience participation for the kids to feel included and making sure the broom took flight – with every additional load! The puppets were greatly caricatured to make them eye catching as soon as they hit the stage, to dog in particular was brilliantly designed and very well actioned to portray the sweet pup!
The cast was small and a simple quartet, which meant it was not busy on stage to cause too much distraction and business on stage – even with the additional 3 puppets. Leading the broom was Amy Harris as the witch, who was sweet and ditsy that made her a instant like to the kids but also had a few cheeky jokes to get the adults chuckling. Joining her was a kitty, Nadia Shash, who again took the persona of how a cat – who we know is always in charge, should be! Dan Armstrong and Joe Lindley support the ladies as the puppeteers, both excelled at bringing the puppets to life but also show off their great singing by portraying two difference characters and voiced brilliantly. I particularly loved the take on the dragon and the outfit – that reflected the sleeping bag of the campers that opened the show!
There is no denying that Julia Donaldson books are amazing children books that bring amazing inspiring stories to life, my daughter loves me reading them before bed. Although, many are now tv shows, there is something about watching it live on stage that engulfs the kids and seeing the characters they love and know in front of them that puts a smile on their face. It was a joy to see Maisie clapping and smiling and although at time she was a bit distracted as without support from me she did struggle to see the stage with the mixture of adults and kids, she came away a happy girl, just like her mum does after a show.
Playing at the Orchard Theatre till the 2nd February, the show continues on its tour around the UK, for all ticket information and dates head to their website here. For any Kent residents it returns to the Tunbridge Wells in March! A great chance to start introducing your little ones to the world of theatre!
