There probably are more joyous things than sitting in an auditorium of young people getting to experience live theatre for the first time, but not a lot come to mind. The Baddies is a brisk and cheery romp that serves well as an introduction to ‘grownup’ theatre. It benefits hugely from being based on a book by Julia Donaldson of The Gruffalo fame, who has been successfully delighting children for decades.
After a somewhat perfunctory framing device about the story being a bedtime tale for a family of mice, we’re off, guided through the adventure by Mama Mouse (Lottie Mae O’Kill channelling Mary Poppins with a tail and furry ears). To find out who the worst Baddie is, she sets the titular trio the task of stealing a handkerchief from Yuki Sutton’s plucky heroine. Needless to say, The Baddies are foiled, and everyone learns valuable lessons about politeness, manners and finding your place in the world.
There are gratifying reactions to the clever set, especially as a cottage exterior is swung round to reveal the Tardis-like, bigger on the inside interior. The costumes are big and bright and fun, with Rachel Bird, Dyfrig Morris and James Stirling throwing themselves about wholeheartedly as the eponymous Baddies. A big man dressed as a green troll falling over is funny whether you’re three or 53.
Regular songs punctuate the action, some more successful than others. Although the production is essentially a musical and most definitely not a pantomime, there is perhaps inevitably a slight panto air. This fits well with a liberal scattering of underwear and wee jokes to amuse the kids (and some of the more young-at-heart adults too).
For all the colour and energy, the slightness of the plot is apparent, struggling to fill the hour-long running time even with the cast breaking into song every five minutes. Not all of the songs land successfully, with the central Disney-esque theme failing to hold attention and a cabaret style number that seems aimed more at the adults. The attempts at audience interaction are also received more enthusiastically by the parents than the children, but perhaps the youngsters are too enraptured by the clowning on stage to be coaxed into jigging in their seats.
These are minor quibbles, however, and probably mostly passed unseen by anyone under 10. The Baddies is a thoroughly fun hour for younger children. It contains enough falling over and fart jokes to satisfy the target audience, while the wholesome moral lessons and occasional nod to older audience members keep the parents happy. As an introduction to the delights of live theatre, it’s an excellent starting point.
Performed at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Running time: 1 hour, no interval
Runs until Sunday 20 October, various times
Adapted by David Greig and Jackie Crichton from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Directed by Katie Beard
Music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe
Set and costume designed by Jasmine Swan
Cast: Rachel Bird, Dyfrig Morris, Lottie Mae O’Kill, Ellie Shove, Ben Simon, James Stirling, Yuki Sutton