Theatre Review: The Phoenix and the Carpet Gateway Theatre, Chester

The emergence of the flame-coloured talking phoenix, that "fabulous bird of antiquity", followed moments later by a magic carpet lift-off, sets a high standard for theatrical values that is maintained throughout this entrancing adaptation of E Nesbit's classic tale, directed by Deborah Shaw and designed by Scott Ramsay. With an engaging and committed cast, and a sparky soundtrack (by Neil Brand) that ranges from Bollywood to music-hall, this is just the show for a child's early encounter with theatre.

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