The Theatr Clwyd debuted production of 'The Famous Five' enters the whimsical world of Enid Blytons' characters and takes the audience on an adventure.

Theatr Clwyd, in Mold, and Chichester Festival Theatre came together for the world première production of brand-new musical The Famous Five, based on the much-loved books by Enid Blyton, written by Elinor Cook with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson.

The fantasty, and child-like adventure begins as you step foot in the auditorium with the stage set resembling a tiny village.

The stage was then brought to life with puppeteers animating rabbits, seals and birds as well as musicians interacting with the audience. 

READ MORE: Theatr Clwyd original musical 'Famous Five' starts run

Puppeteers were featured throughout the entire performance, even as the main character's dog, and while I was initially concerned this would be off-putting, it added movement and colour to the show. 

Director Tamara Harvey discussed her decision to include puppets: "There's something inherently playful and magical about puppets - the way the puppeteer disappears and somehow you're suddenly watching a creature that is entirely alive."

The musical featured original music composed by Theo Jamieson, which offered a range of genres from ballads, up-beat group performances to comical characterised numbers.

The young cast of The Famous Five children showcased their incredible versatility, depth and vocal strength throughout the show. 

Maria Goodman took on the title role of George, a teenager struggling with her identity. 

Maria's vocal strength maintained throughout the show but the song 'Why am I like this' in the second half really afforded her the opportunity to showcase her musicality and emotions. 

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Isabelle Methven, Louis Suc and Dewi Wykes as Georges' cousins Anne, Dick and Julian worked incredibly together in songs such as Jump Fly Fall and Adventurers and also stood out in their solo performances. 

Kibong Tanji as Rowena created a whole new meaning to evil scientist in her mesmerising performance as the show's antagonist. 

Lara Denning and David Ricardo-Pearce as Aunt Fanny and Uncle Quentin highlighted the strength of both the actors and the show's writing, affording these characters independent personality traits outside just 'mum and dad'. 

An element of the show that I thoroughly enjoyed was the inclusion of current and important issues which were relatable to the modern audience. 

These included discussion about the importance of renewable energy sources, anxiety and struggles with identity. 

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While the musical touched on some difficult topics, the positive spirit and comedy shined through. 

This was certainly helped on by the character 'Bobby' played by Sam Harrison who was unwaveringly likeable and hilarious (even when he shouldn't have been).

The Famous Five is whitty, colourful and impressive and could bring out the child-like love of adventure in just about anyone. 

This brand new production by Theatr Clwyd and Chichester Festival Theatre brings the world of Enid Blyton to a new audience through innovative set design, catchy music and worldclass performances. 

The production opened at Theatr Clwyd on September 29, with previews from September 23 and runs until October 15, before playing at Chichester Festival Theatre from October 25 to November 12, with previews from October 21.

Tickets can be bought here.