Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about everyones favourite Auntie… Sorry, one truly awful auntie.
Disclaimer: we were invited to Darlington Hippodrome to see the show, and were gifted 2 tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.

Awful Auntie Live on Stage by The Birmingham Stage Company 2024
CAST
Stella – Annie Cordoni
Soot – Matthew Allen
Aunt Alberta – Neal Foster
Gibbon – Zain Abrahams
Wagnar – Emily Essery
Understudy – Emily Prosser-Davies
Understudy – Frankie Oldham
CREATIVE TEAM
Adapter and Director – Neal Foster
Co-Director – Richard J Hinds
Set and Costume Designer – Jackie Trousdale
Lighting Designer – Jason Taylor
Composer – Jak Poore
Sound Designer – Nick Sagar
Puppet Designer and Puppet Direction – Yvonne Stone
Video Designer – Simon Wainwright
Costume Supervisor – Nia Evans
Casting – Anne Voser
Production Manager – Adrian Littlejohns

Awful Auntie Live on Stage by The Birmingham Stage Company 2024
CAST
Stella – Annie Cordoni
Soot – Matthew Allen
Aunt Alberta – Neal Foster
Gibbon – Zain Abrahams
Wagnar – Emily Essery
Understudy – Emily Prosser-Davies
Understudy – Frankie Oldham
CREATIVE TEAM
Adapter and Director – Neal Foster
Co-Director – Richard J Hinds
Set and Costume Designer – Jackie Trousdale
Lighting Designer – Jason Taylor
Composer – Jak Poore
Sound Designer – Nick Sagar
Puppet Designer and Puppet Direction – Yvonne Stone
Video Designer – Simon Wainwright
Costume Supervisor – Nia Evans
Casting – Anne Voser
Production Manager – Adrian Littlejohns
David Walliams’ Awful Auntie brought a whirlwind of energy and excitement to the stage, with a mix of comedy for both children and adults. The production, true to Walliams’ signature style, is a blend of humour, adventure, and just the right amount of frights to keep young audiences on the edge of their seats but not too scared.
I imediately have to make a comment on the set design. It was clear that the set design was a labour of love. The complexity of the set was mind blowing, with intricate details that transported the audience straight into the world of young Stella Saxby and her mischievous Aunt Alberta. Each scene transition was well done, adding to the immersive experience and keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.
The children in the audience found the show particularly funny, with their giggles, screams and gasps echoing through the theatre. Walliams has a knack for writing engaging characters and this shone through in Awful Auntie, with the cast bringing his vivid creations to life with energy and flair.
The show is fun and a the cast do a great job at telling the story, however, the dialogue did tend to become somewhat whiney as the show progressed. This is a characteristic element of Walliams’ work, so fans of his previous productions like Gangsta Granny and Demon Dentist will find this familiar and comforting. For those new to the Walliams universe, it might take a bit of getting used to, but it is undeniably part of the charm that makes his stories so distinctive.
This show is a well-crafted, entertaining production that delivers laughter and thrills in equal measures. The set design alone is worth the ticket, but it’s the overall energy and engagement of the cast that truly makes this show a hit. For anyone seeking a fun-filled family outing to the theatre, Awful Auntie is a must.
I give the show 4 out of 5.

Have your say!
Have you seen Awful Auntie? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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