Before JK Rowling launched Harry Potter on the world there was Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch. A series of books which delighted young readers who fell in love with the goings on in Miss Cackles Academy for young witches. Initially adapted from the books for television and then for theatre this musical production offers everything a young audience might enjoy with its pantomime style and magical narrative.
The drama presents as a play within a play. A group of trainee witches perform their story as a school production, and it is to their credit that this young cast grab the material with energy and spirit. Characters that have been well written are very well performed and the rapport amongst the cast shone through. Megan Sorrel as Mildred Hubble, the hapless new girl who doesn’t fit in, performs with confidence and the audience warms to her quickly as she carries Mildred’s story along. Sasha Carillo as Mildred’s nemesis also shines and special mention must go to Eilidh Pollard who stepped into the role of Maud Spellbody three days before opening night. It takes some skill to perform whilst still on the book and for the audience to hardly notice. Lindsey Barker brings the harsh Miss Hardbroom to life well but hats off to Helen Horridge who leads this cast in the dual role of the adorable Miss Ada Cackle and her evil twin Agatha with excellent skill, masses of charisma and first-rate comic timing. Director Katheleen Valentine nurtured 5-star performances all round from this team of women!
Set by Paula Keen is both imaginative and clever and costumes are well presented, especially the dual costume of the warring Cackle twins.
Musical numbers are set well with choreography and the production is both entertaining and heart-warming. Lighting by James Merrington was generally successful but the production could have benefited from more special effects and lighting tricks in some of the magical sequences.
For me, one of the missing ingredients in what could have been a really excellent show was sadly, the audience. Whilst it was clear by the applause that those there had truly had an enjoyable evening, the style of this piece demands strong and regular interaction with the bums on the seats. The cast worked very hard throughout, and it was a shame that the auditorium was only one third full. As with all pantomime style theatre, where the fourth wall is broken and villains and heroines demand you take a side, the connection between cast and crowd is essential and my gut feeling is that had this been a full house of families enjoying the start of the Easter holidays this could have been a magical night.
If you have children that have enjoyed these books or enjoy live performance, then I would encourage you to take them to this show and give this production the audience it deserves.
Playing until 17th April, https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/booking?webEventId=witch
Reviewer: Lou Kershaw
Reviewed: 4th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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