David Walliams Demon Dentist is one of his top selling children’s book and it is now on Stage at Sunderland Empire.
Be quick to catch it at Sunderland from Thursday 13th July until Saturday 15th July or catch it on it’s UK tour.
After the success of previous collaborations, David Walliams has teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company to produce this brand new show and bring it to the stage. So far Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy have both won Olivier award nominations. Can this win the big one?
I have always loved David Walliams and was a huge fan of Little Britain when I was younger. Back in the day, I even went to see if live on stage too and if you are a fan too, you’ll notice a little funny homage to it throughout the show. I was extremely excited to go and see this on stage because truth be told…I hadn’t actually read the book. That means I had no spoilers, although my niece and nephew were trying to tell me. They are huge fans of the books. Most of my parents friends know all about his books and they are a firm favourite in their households.
Can you believe he has been writing books since 2008?
The show is suitable for ages 5+ but trust me, all ages will enjoy it!
As a first timer for Demon Dentist I can tell you that it’s funny but also has so many different twists to it especially in the second half. I think it brings really everyday events to life making it totally normal but in a fictional world.
The story takes you on a journey to find the tooth fairy but something dark comes into town and they start finding unusual things left under their pillow at night instead of treats.
The main Character Alfie played by Sam Varley who is a vulnerable young boy. He is also a young carer to his single father who has psychical health problems. He is introduced to a social worker along his journey to find out what is happening to the tooth fairy and she “helps” him to get an appointment at the new dentist in town.
The Alfie character shows how difficult it can be to be a young carer and highlights some very serios and real things going on here in the UK and the support that is needed at the same time as being a kid and still having his innocence around not having a girlfriend…ewww and being scared of the dentist.
The New Dentist in town is the baddy of the show…Boooooo. Played by Emily Harrigan she is a great baddy! She has excellent timing and creates a role that is evil from the very start. The kids in the audience love her villainous ways. Emily brings lots of energy to the stage including having an amazing voice too. What I didn’t expect throughout the show was music and there are some great songs along the way.
Neal Foster, the director of Demon Dentist has an array of achievement including the horrible history stage shows. He is celebrating his 30th anniversary with the Birmingham Stage Company. His experience shows through the play. He was a great way of making you get in touch with youre emotions and seamlessly flicking through scenes.
This show is definitely one for the adults and the kids and a great all rounder feel good one. Make sure you can catch it on it’s UK tours.
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*gifted tickets however all opinions are my own
