David Baddiel's The Parent Agency receives rave reviews at star studded opening gala

The world premiere of The Parent Agency – The Musical is lighting up Storyhouse Chester with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Based on David Baddiel’s award-winning children’s adventure book, The Parent Agency stage adaptation has been described as “truly joyous,” “whip-smart with a winning score,” and “a mischievous delight.”

Audiences of all ages are also being bowled over by the production, with young theatregoers praising its catchy songs and describing the musical as ‘energetic’, ‘upbeat’, ‘hilarious’, ‘magical’ and ‘cool’.

A special gala night was held at the Hunter Street theatre last week which was attended by a host of stars – including actors Hugh Dennis, Ralf Little, Ricky Tomlinson and Andrew Lancel – as well as the show’s creators.

The Parent Agency – The Musical will appeal to anyone who is, or has been, a child. And also, to anyone who is, or who has had, at least one parent. And definitely to anyone who wishes they weren’t called Barry.

Barry Bennett hates his name. In fact, it’s number one on the list of things the 11-year-old blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for, along with “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict.”

So he makes a wish for a better mum and dad, and finds himself whisked away to Youngdon in the ‘United Kid-dom’, an alternative universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the help of the staff of the eponymous Parent Agency.

Hugh Dennis and David Baddiel at Storyhouse press launch - Credit David Munn — Hugh Dennis and David Baddiel at Storyhouse press launch – Credit David Munn

For Barry this seems like a dream come true, although he soon learns that choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds….

Talented actors Max Bispham (Les Miserables, Mrs Doubtfire), Osian Salter (Les Miserables, The Osmonds a New Musical), Eli Sowden-Mehta (Wonka, Blitz, Wicked) and Louis Wilkins (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) share the lead role of Barry.

Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) plays Susan and Rakesh Boury (Matilda, The Creakers) appears as Geoff.

The cast also includes Kazmin Borrer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Elliot Broadfoot (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder), Natasha Cayabyab (Shrek the Musical), Dylan Collymore (Shrek the Musical), Sarah McFarlane (SIX), Joshian Angelo Omana (Why Am I So Single?), Alan Vicary (Girl from the North Country), Ralph Birthwell (Life of Pi), Althea Burey (The Gruffalo), Elliot Copeland (Becoming Nancy), Jessica Daugirda (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophia Lewis (Around the World in 80 Days) and Robbie Scott (Sunshine on Leith).

David Baddiel’s books have achieved exceptional success and have been translated into 30 languages. His children’s books have received huge critical acclaim and have won some of children’s literature’s highest accolades including the Laugh Out Loud award for The Parent Agency.

Ralf Little and Ricky Tomlinson at The Parent Agency press night - credit David Munn — Ralf Little and Ricky Tomlinson at The Parent Agency press night – credit David Munn

Dan Gillespie Sells, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of The Feeling, has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim for his work in musical theatre. He composed the music for the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which received multiple Olivier Award nominations, toured nationally and internationally and was adapted into an Amazon Original film.

His work has earned him an Ivor Novello Award, Olivier, BAFTA and BRIT nominations, and he was named Stonewall’s Entertainer of the Decade in 2015 for his contributions to the LGBT community.

The creative team also includes director Tim Jackson (Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Merrily We Roll Along), designer John Bausor (Spirited Away, Bat Out of Hell), choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (SIX, Dear Evan Hansen), costume designer Sarah Mercadé (Jesus Christ Superstar, 101 Dalmatians, The Spongebob Musical), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (The Curious Incident of Benjamin Button, Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World, Bonnie and Clyde), and assistant director Francesca Hsieh (VANYA), with Musical Supervisor Nick Finlow (Back to the Future, The Book of Mormon), Musical Director Ellen Campbell (Waitress, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse (Mary Poppins, The Little Big Things), Associate Sound Designer Richard Jones, Wig, Hair and Make-up Designer Craig Forrest-Thomas (Mrs Doubtfire, Buyer & Cellar), Casting Director Olivia Layden CDG for Jill Green Casting and Children’s Casting by Amy Beadle CDG for Grindrod Burton Castin.

Storyhouse creative director, Suzie Henderson said:

“I’m delighted we’re staging the world premiere of this wonderful new family musical here at Storyhouse; it’s been fantastic to see audiences of all ages loving the show and to receive such an amazing response from the critics.

“David Baddiel’s story is hilarious, and he and Dan Gillespie Sells have created a soundtrack which I know will have people singing its songs all the way home.

“I’m looking forward to sharing this special show with thousands more theatregoers over the next week. Catch it now before it’s snapped up by the West End!”