The Cottingley Fairies at Birmingham Hippodrome Review
Written by Clare for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own
Tricking the world into believing that there was photographical evidence of real life fairies is the focus of the brand new musical The Cottingley Fairies at the Birmingham Hippodrome in their Patrick Studio space.
Perfomed by the talented British Youth Music Theatre actors and actresses this show follows two young cousins Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths, who seem to take five different photos of fairies around the woods near Elsie’s house, which draws the attention of the public with a little help from a variety of “experts” as well as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who publishes the photos in a nationwide magazine.
The story flits between the pair as youth and then their older selves as they seem to struggle with what they have done over time, as the truth comes out after sixty six years and the reactions of both each other, who have drifted apart from each other, but the further public. Written by Clare Packham and with music by Fintan Kealy (the pair share co-lyricist titles too), this story looks into the beliefs of others and considerers why some are more willing to believe instead of question those beliefs.
The music of the show has some catchy songs and moments with a nostalgic folky almost 1960s/70s feel to it and it is complemented by movement by the cast through the eighty minute show with direction from Ewa Dina and choreography by Hannah Fairclough, I especially enjoyed the floaty almost ballet like movements from the fairies themselves.
The young talented BYMT cast were a joy to watch, with lovely vocals and great acting there were definitely many stars of the future on that stage with some highlights being Zach Went as Edward Gardner, Scott Hawthorne as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Blaze Middleton and Nicole Cammack as the young Elsie and young Frances.
With limited performances between 10-12 April there isn’t much time to catch this show, but it is one for the believers and non believers too.
★★★★
