Review: New Plymouth Repertory Society presents Badjelly the Witch by Spike Milligan, adapted as a play by Alannah O’Sullivan. Co-directed by Nicola Bleasel and Sharren Read with musical direction by Antony Saywell. October 21 - November 4. This review refers to the “red” cast of the show. An alternate cast play on opposite days.
The magic of Spike Milligan is beautifully bought to life in this production of Badjelly the Witch. All of the Milligan silliness and fun is drawn out with every moment, thanks to the talented cast and crew.
The play itself is a great choice for a youth theatre show, and co-directors Nicola Bleasel and Sharren Read have taken a playful approach to the retelling of this magical fairy tale, allowing the cast to have plenty of fun as they take the audience along on the adventure with them.
As Rose (Esther Quinn) and Tim (Oliver Kenny) search for Lucy, their cow (Katie Duggan), they learn she has been cow-napped by Badjelly the Witch (Maeve Quinn) - the baddest witch in the world, assisted by Dulboot the giant (Amber Cayley). As the siblings venture into the forest to rescue their cow, they meet all sorts of interesting characters along the way, including Dinglemouse (Lacey Allen), Binklebonk the tree goblin (Rose Bayliss), Mudwiggle (Sofia San Diego), Jim - an eagle (Zoe Smith) - and even a policeman-turned-apple tree (Lucie Pellicer).
Every member of this young cast (ages range from 9 to 16) have clearly put in the work during rehearsal and taken on all directions given, as they give polished and engaging performances throughout. Some older actors could take notes from some of this cast, as clear voice projection, great physicality and lines are delivered with great timing throughout.