REVIEW - THE BADDIES | THE LOWRY | 04/05/2025

As a family of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler superfans, we've followed many magical book-to-stage adaptations — from Zog to The Gruffalo and everything in between. So when The Baddies came to The Lowry, it was an instant diary date! While the original book isn’t our absolute favourite from their collection, this stage version might just be the best adaptation we've seen yet.

Before the show even began, the magic was already underway: the kids were handed cheeky 'Baddie' stickers and a fold-out souvenir programme that doubles as a poster. Cue excitement levels through the roof

It all begins at bedtime, as three mischievous little mice refuse to settle down. Their long-suffering but ever-patient Mama Mouse decides to tell them a spooky bedtime tale — one with roars, spells, and a dash of villainy. From her storytelling spark, we’re whisked away into the world of The Baddies.

These aren’t just any villains — they’re Donaldson’s beloved baddies: a boastful Troll, a gleefully wicked Witch, and a ghoulish Ghost. They live in a misty, dark valley and pride themselves on being the "Worst Baddies in the World". But when a brave girl moves into the cottage nearby, armed only with courage and a spotted handkerchief, the trio launch a ridiculous campaign to scare it out of her grasp.

What follows is a hilarious, high-energy battle of wills — but the girl remains unshaken. As each baddie tries and fails to terrify her, their bluster slowly unravels, revealing that being nasty isn't half as fun as being kind. It’s a tale that dances between spooky and silly, with more giggles than gasps.

The framing device of Mama Mouse as narrator adds a cosy, bedtime-story feel that grounds the fantasy. Her gentle message about manners and kindness shines through without ever feeling preachy. With a dash of slapstick, a sprinkle of mischief, and a whole lot of heart, The Baddies becomes a riotous romp with real meaning.

Visually, The Baddies is a feast for the eyes. Jasmine Swan’s set design transforms seamlessly between locations — from the warm, wooden textures of Mama Mouse’s cosy tree-stump home to the eerie forest valley and the Girl’s charming cottage. The transitions are smooth and imaginative, with hidden surprises (like the tree opening up to reveal other worlds) that wowed both kids and grown-ups.

Lighting plays a key role in mood-setting, with foggy glows, shadowy corners and bright pops of colour helping little ones distinguish spooky from silly. It’s just the right level of eerie — never too frightening.

Costumes are a playful riot of colour and texture. The Witch sports a wild purple and yellow outfit with twirled hair, oversized buttons, and quirky accessories — think mushrooms, patches, and a splash of sparkly flair. The Ghost drifts across the stage in floaty white with exaggerated makeup and puffball sleeves, while the Troll is all greens and earth tones: a tangle of plaid, patches and leafy fronds, with comically oversized ears and a club in hand. Every costume is bursting with detail, perfectly pitched between spooky and silly.

And the music? A triumph. Joe Stilgoe’s original songs are fabulously fun and toe-tappingly catchy. Leo couldn’t stop singing “The Worst Baddies in the World” all the way home, while Alice and I were genuinely moved by “Where I Belong” — a sweet, stirring number that brings a lovely emotional beat to the madness.

The cast were simply outstanding. James Stirling had the whole audience giggling as the bumbling Ghost — and his surprise turn as the Witch’s cat was comedy gold. Rosie Meek’s Witch was brilliantly unhinged, delivering big laughs with even bigger facial expressions. Nic James brought real heart to the gruff and grotty Troll.

We were lucky to see Georgie McSherry as the Girl, and she was utterly captivating — calm, confident and completely unfazed by the chaos around her. Alice watched her wide-eyed the entire time.

Lottie Mae O’Kill as Mama Mouse tied the whole tale together with warmth, wit and a lovely gentle presence. The choreography was slick, vocals faultless, and every moment filled with joy and energy.

The Baddies is a deliciously daft delight, bursting with humour, heart, and just the right amount of spooky silliness. It takes one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s lesser-known stories and transforms it into a laugh-out-loud, toe-tapping, grin-inducing musical adventure.

Whether your kids are longtime fans of the book or discovering the baddies for the first time, this show raises the bar for family theatre. From bold baddies to brave girls, it proves that even the wickedest can change their ways — and that manners really do matter.

Packed with laughs, music, and monstrous mischief, The Baddies is a wickedly wonderful treat for the whole family.

he Baddies has now finished its run at The Lowry — but it’s still touring the UK! To find out where else this frightfully fun family show is stopping next, click the button below to visit the official website.

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