Book/Lyrics: David Baddiel
Music/Lyrics: Dan Gillespie Sells
Director: Tim Jackson
Best known to adults for his stand-up comedy, David Baddiel, is also a highly published Children’s writer. For this world premiere at Chester’s Storyhouse he adapts his well-received book The Parent Agency alongside Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s composer Dan Gillespie Sells.
Barry is a ten-year-old who is on the brink of his 11 Birthday, all he hopes for is a top-notch James Bond themed birthday, one to truly remember, but how can you have one of those when your parents are boring, poor and have the taste and tenacity to name you Barry? So… Barry wishes for better parents and is suddenly whisked away to the TPA (The Parent Agency) whose job is to find children parents before their 11th Birthday – can the agency find the perfect match before time runs out? or will Barry be left in limbo without parents?
As one would expect from the creative team, the writing from Baddiel is both witty and fast-paced, providing plenty to enjoy for adults and children alike, with lots of laugh out loud moments and observations which really hit home. Like all good stories there is a nicely rounded amount of pathos built-in too. Gillespie Sell’s music also strikes a chord with catchy numbers and the ability to allow a young protagonist (much like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) the chance to really soar on stage.
Director Tim Jackson keeps things moving along at break-neck speed, almost akin to speed dating on stage – as we meet a variety of parental choices for Barry – its in these crazy vignettes where the show really comes alive. Helped by Jon Bausor’s adaptable but effective set which helps move between locations effortlessly.
On press night Barry played by Max Bispham gives a performance that is assured and confident and a cracking singing voice, full of emotion and depth. He also gives a masterclass in comedic come-backs and sarcasm too. Rakesh Boury (Geoff) and Rebecca McKinnis (Susan) are a dynamic-duo who bring to life a variety of parents with an ever increasing amount of madness from the well-to-do Rader-Welllorff’s, the blinged up celebrities Vlassorina, The hipster Cool’s and this reviewer’s favourite the 80s inspired neon-wearing Fwahm’s. Their performances are a constant highlight throughout.
A strong ensemble gives plenty of energy throughout with strong support from Alan Vicary as Grandpa/Head of the TPA, Kazmin Borrer and Natasha Cayabyab as the phone obsessed sister’s and Elliot Broadfoot as the larger-than-life Peevish.
As new musicals go, its easy to see a life past this initial run, in a production that gives old and young alike to much to enjoy. The Parent Agency is a show that has lots of laughter and plenty of heart and helps us find a new found love for the name Barry!
Runs Until 2 March 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Lots of Fun!
