John Berry and Anthony Lilley for Scenario Two;
Suzie Henderson and Helen Redcliffe for Storyhouse
Based on the book by David Baddiel
Storyhouse Chester
February 19-March 2, 2025; 1 hr 50 mins
"Choose your family well and make sure they see you as they are"; it's a timeless truth, spoken by the youngest person in the cast. How well does this adaptation live up to it?
Director Tim Jackson has taken David Baddiel’s well-loved book and turned it into a fast-moving, energetic show. It's perhaps a brave move, making the star of the show a 10-year-old child, even if the surrounding cast members are engaging and supportive. But Annie and Matilda haven't exactly done badly with that sort of storyline, and given the standing ovation at the end, the idea seems to have gone down rather well this time too.
The Parent Agency presents young Barry, who has cause to complain about his parents: too strict, too mean, too tired, never give him a decent birthday party and most importantly, have landed him with a seriously uncool name.
What follows is a parallel-universe speculation about the best possible parents. Would they be rich, or famous; would they let Barry do what he wants, or would they be fitness fanatics? The storyline is predictable; of course Barry will eventually realise his parents love and want the best for him. But the way the play comes to this conclusion is highly entertaining.
The evening opens with a voiceover and song from Barry, relating his complaint. Max Bispham, who played Barry on opening night, was outstanding - exuding confidence and a strong voice beyond his years. There was a lovely interaction with his two older twin sisters, played by Kazmin Borrer and Natasha Kayabyab, who also play the people who introduce Barry to his new prospective parents. All the parents - actual and prospective - are played with great charm and exuberance by Rebecca McKinnis and Rakesh Boury, who play their scenes with quick costume changes, slick choreography and tremendous polish.
The first act is excellent but the second struggles to hit quite such heights - though does neatly avoid a strong potential for a mawkish, saccharine ending. As with the opening of the show, the final curtain offers an optimistic, joyful conclusion - augmented for the premiere by the appearance of David Baddiel himself, who to the amusement of most of those present, broke a cardinal rule and swore in front of the family audience. This, we are promised, won't be repeated at future performances.
The show is obviously aimed at a young audience, but there is enough in the script to give it more universal appeal. Yes, it's predictable, but it is also funny, and carries an underlying message that money, fame, fitness or a libertine lifestyle won't bring as much fulfilment as a loving family.
That's something every child needs to know - and every adult needs to be reminded of occasionally
More info and tickets here
