Writer: Julia Donaldson
Adaptor: David Greig and Jackie Critchon
Music/Lyrics: Joe Stilgoe
Director: Katie Beard
The stage is set as the young and excited audience enter the theatre, but it is not for The 3 ‘Baddies’ as the title suggests, but for a family of (mostly!)- good mice. We have been given a sneak peak into the hallow of a tree where three mice are keeping their Mama Mouse, wonderfully portrayed by Lottie Mae O’Kill, rather busy as she transitions from dinner time to bed time; a time even the most calm parents can find tricky to navigate! How then to keep these little mice in tow? Tell them the story of The Baddies!
The framing device of Mama Mouse as the narrator for the re-telling of Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler, arguably lesser known stories, is perfect for children to hear and explore the themes of kindness, being polite and ultimately how you can get more out of life by being a little bit sweeter! And although we don’t see the story of the mice conclude, presumably due to costume changing logistics, the play is instead concluded with the wonderful adapted ending by Greig and Critchton, and The Baddies finding redemption, changing their ways and they too receive their own happy ending.
The very strong cast of five work well and play well together, with strong voices, crisp and fun choreography and brilliant comedic timing. They also make the transitions of the clever and bold set by Jasmine Swann, appear seamless. Stilgoe’s lyrics are witty and his music catchy and combine the right balance of audience interaction, storytelling and character songs for the young viewers. A most notable song and performance by James Sterling as the Witch’s cat was an unexpected and wonderful addition, and one in which I feel Donaldson would most defiantly approve of as so many of her books seek to hear the voices of ordinarily ignored animals!
This production has everything you would need in a children’s theatre production, and although pitched for those aged over three, my two year old was engrossed and equally the beautiful staging and songs would be a perfect introduction to musical theatre for any theatre goer under 10. From start to finish this adaptation not only brought Donaldson and Scheffler’s story to life, but lifted it higher with the new adapted opening and conclusion. I would often also wonder what happened to The Baddies, surely they weren’t ever that bad! So thank you to Freckle Productions and Edinburgh Lyceum for saving The Baddies!
Runs until June 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
The Baddies Are Great!
