REVIEW: David Baddiel's The Parent Agency - The Musical

If you’ve ever wished you could trade in your parents for a newer, cooler model, The Parent Agency – The Musical is the show for you! Based on David Baddiel’s bestselling children’s book, this brand-new musical has landed at Chester Storyhouse, and it’s bursting with humor, heart, and toe-tapping tunes. The book was originally penned ten years ago and surprisingly was Baddiel's first ever children's book.

I had the privilege of attending the world premiere at Storyhouse Chester on Wednesday evening, and what an unforgettable experience it was! From start to finish, I couldn’t stop smiling and was captivated by the incredible talent of the cast—especially Max Bispham, who delivered a standout performance as the spirited protagonist, Barry.

Eleven-year-old Barry Bennett isn’t thrilled with his parents—he finds them strict, boring, and seriously lacking in the “cool” department. But when Barry makes a wish for better parents, he’s whisked away to Youngdon in the 'United Kid-dom,' a world where kids get to pick their perfect parents. What seems like a dream come true quickly becomes a hilarious adventure full of unexpected lessons with unbridled wit and intrigue.

The talented young actors playing Barry—including Max Bishpham, Osian Salter, Eli Sowden-Mehta, and Louis Wilkins—bring energy and charm to the stage. Rebecca McKinnis and Rakesh Boury, as Barry’s original parents Susan and Geoff, deliver standout performances that balance humor with heartfelt moments. The ensemble cast adds plenty of fun and flair, making the world of Youngdon come alive with vibrant characters and catchy musical numbers.

With lyrics by David Baddiel and music by Dan Gillespie Sells (of The Feeling and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie fame), the soundtrack is both playful and powerful. From laugh-out-loud moments to touching reflections on family and belonging, the musical strikes the perfect balance for both kids and adults.

Visually, the show is an absolute treat—John Bausor’s creative set design and Sarah Mercadé’s colorful costumes bring Youngdon’s quirky world to life, while Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s dynamic choreography keeps the energy vibrant and high. The show was directed by Tim Jackson.

David Baddiel explains the skill that is required to play Barry, stating "Barry is really driving it. He's on stage the whole time, he has to sing and be properly funny - and that's something new for theatre." The four young actors who will be playing Barry really need to use their skills in this regard. The other actors who will be playing Barry include: Osian Salter, Eli Sowden-Mehta and Louis Wilkins.

Other cast members include:Rebecca McKinnis (Susan) Rakesh Boury (Geoff) Kazmin Borrer (Kay), Elliot Broadfoot (Peevish), Dylan Collymore (Jacob), Natasha Cayabyab (Ginny), SarahMcFarlane (Ella), Alan Vicary (Grandpa) and Joshian Angelo Omana (DJ), Ralph Birtwell, Althea Burey, Elliot Copeland, Jessica Daugirda, Sophia Lewis and Robbie Scott.

The Parent Agency – The Musical is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud journey that reminds us that no family is perfect—but sometimes, that’s exactly what makes them special. Catch this world premiere at Chester Storyhouse until March 2nd before it heads to the West End and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—you might just leave appreciating your own parents a little more (even if they still embarrass you in front of your friends).

I adored this world-class performance and highly encourage everyone to grab their tickets and experience the magic for themselves—you won’t want to miss it! Get your tickets today Prices start from £23.50

5 star PR Rating *****

Photo credit: Supplied by production

Photo credit: Supplied by Production

Photo credit: Mark McNulty