If there’s one thing my little one, Rowan, loves as much as his mummy, it’s musical theatre. So, when we were kindly gifted tickets to the new Baby Broadway event in Harrogate, we were thrilled to attend on behalf of Mumbler! With its popularity already established in London, Harrogate was the first out-of-London location for this exciting mini show, and we couldn’t wait to see what it was all about.
Despite its simplicity, the show delivered a big dose of charm. The setup was intentionally minimalistic, just two talented singers and a keyboard player. No costumes, staging, or props were necessary; as they explained, “We’re all about the music.” And the music certainly didn’t disappoint!
It was clear the performers were seasoned professionals (ex-theatre, I believe?) as their amazing vocals filled the room. They effortlessly engaged the crowd, encouraging everyone – (grown ups included!) to join in. I particularly loved their clever approach of singing the “housekeeping rules” at the beginning, which set a fun tone.
The show’s repertoire was an instant hit, especially for little Disney fans. Songs from Frozen, The Lion King and other Disney classics kept Rowan and the younger audience captivated, while the numbers from popular musicals delighted us grown ups – my personal highlight was the Mary Poppins medley!
There were a few small props, like puppets, to bring certain numbers to life. For instance, a cat puppet made a delightful appearance during Macavity from Cats. These touches were simple but effective, adding an extra layer of fun for the children.
The event was recommended for ages up to 7, which I’d say is spot on, though perhaps more suited to the younger end of the spectrum. Rowan, at 4, was the perfect age for the content and loved every minute. My 7 year old niece, who also came along, enjoyed the music and dancing but found the overall focus a little young for her.
At the moment, there are no further dates planned in Harrogate, but given the event was sold out, there’s certainly demand for more in the future. Fingers crossed we’ll see Baby Broadway returning in the New Year!
A huge thank you to the organisers for inviting us along – we wish you the best of luck and highly recommend this event to fellow musical theatre lovers with little ones. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of musicals in an intimate, fun, and informal setting. If you get the chance to go, don’t miss it!
Reviewed November 2024 by Mumbler Champion Elfie and Rowan
Disclosure: We were gifted our tickets however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed it! (otherwise that could have been awks!)
