Adapted by David Baddiel from his own book, with music by Dan Gillespie Sells of The Feeling, The Parent Agency has made its debut in Chester. The family friendly musical delighted the audience from the start, with its simple yet thought provoking premise; what if you could choose your parents?

10 year old Barry, played at this performance by a confident Max Bispham- in every scene, is unhappy and bored with his parents. The catchy opening song “Barry” sums up the main characters frustrations. When bedroom posters of his heroes come to life, Barry wakes up in the fantastical “Youngdon” where the eponymous Agency allow children to select their own parents.

Characters in this new reality are played by the same actors that portray Barry’s real family- with his wheelchair bound grandfather (Alan Vicary) now the smartly suited blue haired head of the Parent Agency. Barry’s real parents played by Rebecca Mckinnis and Rakesh Boury excel playing the 4 sets of parents that Barry must choose from starting with the super rich Rader Wellorfs. Simple in structure, the musical moves from one set of exaggerated parents to the next, each one offering cool choreography and colourful costumes. A gym set dance scene at the end of act one was particularly joyous.

Barry’s final choice for parents, the super famous power couple Vlassorina offers another stand out song, power ballad Carry You Home, “6 million likes for every tweet” with the actors once again showing their versatility.

The Parent Agency’s funny script offers plenty of cross over jokes for older audience members, some of which are delivered by the writer himself in a knowing narrative voiceover. It’s simple high concept moves towards a predictable ending evocative of the Wizard of Oz. Nevertheless the ending delivers a moment of real emotion and realisation about the nature of love and family life. This fast paced show offers fun and laughter for all ages.

Taking to the stage at the end of the night Baddiel, who has praised Chester and our theatre’s community focus in media interviews commented : ” I want to thank Chester Storyhouse, what a place this is! ” The prestigious launch of what deserves to become a national success was clearly a source of pride for the Storyhouse team and everyone who has worked behind the scenes to deliver this diverting and lively musical.

**** Four stars

Tickets: https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/the-parent-agency/