Review: The Parent Agency

Review: The Parent Agency

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Storyhouse, Chester 19-02-25 by Jamie Griffiths

Adapted by David Baddiel from his best-selling children’s book, The Parent Agency is a brand-new family musical featuring music by acclaimed songwriter Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and direction by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York). Part fantasy fairytale in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, we step through the wardrobe—or in this case, a bedroom wall—into a madcap world that feels more Monsters, Inc. than Narnia.

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At the heart of the show on Gala night was 10-year-old Barry, played with incredible assurance by Max Bispham. This is a hugely demanding role—he’s never off stage, and his musical numbers span a multitude of genres—but his performance is truly exceptional.

Barry’s parents, Geoff (Rakesh Boury) and Susan (Rebecca McKinnis), are similarly incredibly likeable characters. While we see them through Barry’s often ungrateful perspective, it’s clear they’re caring, hardworking, and totally taken for granted. Rakesh and Rebecca’s endless costume and character changes are hugely entertaining—some more cartoony and exaggerated than others—but it all works brilliantly on stage, adding a comic-book feel. Their range is truly impressive, and they never break character.

Director Tim Jackson and choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille put the ensemble cast through their paces, and they are impressively tight—both in choreography and vocally. The energy they bring to every scene keeps the show dynamic and visually exciting, ensuring that the world of The Parent Agency feels as alive and unpredictable as Barry’s imagination. Elliot Broadfoot in particular adds plenty of comic touches that land perfectly, with their many costume and character changes providing some of the funniest and most varied moments in the show.

The staging is bold and vibrant, with striking colors and playful designs that create a cartoon-like world, perfectly complementing the high-energy storytelling. Designer Jon Bausor truly understands the brief, crafting a set that will instantly appeal to younger audiences while maintaining a sense of wonder for all ages.

Similarly, David Baddiel’s script never patronises its younger viewers. It doesn’t shy away from portraying the less likeable traits of children—Barry’s selfish, bratty attitude towards his parents feels incredibly realistic. And when we finally learn the origin of Barry’s name and what it comes to mean to him, it delivers a genuinely emotional punch.

While Barry is the earworm that sticks with you long after the show (I even heard audience members humming it in the car park queue), it’s Dan Gillespie Sells’ heartfelt ballad Everyday Love that truly stood out for me. We all know where this story is heading, but that doesn’t matter—it’s the journey through the crazy land of The Parent Agency that makes it so engaging. Everyday Love beautifully captures what it means to be a parent. As Dan himself said, you don’t have to be a parent to appreciate these universal themes—but judging by the reactions in the theatre, the adults were enjoying this bright, vivid musical just as much as their kids.

Creating a family-friendly musical that appeals to all generations is no easy feat. Many have tried to capture the winning formula of Matilda, only to lean too childish or not fantastical enough to hold little ones’ attention. The Parent Agency stands out as one to watch. I have no doubt it will go through further revisions as it moves ever southward toward the West End, but right now, it’s a confident, heartfelt production that’s well worth catching in Chester.

The Parent Agency runs at the Storyhouse until the 2nd March – get more details from the official site HERE