A new stage musical has drawn widespread attention from theatre critics, earning admiration for its emotional appeal and standout performances while also facing scrutiny over pacing and structure. Reviews published this week highlight an overall warm response, even as writers agree that the production still needs refinement to reach its full potential.
At the center of the praise is the show’s lead character, described as a compelling mix of vulnerability, innocence and mischievous humor. Reviewers say the character anchors the production with a winning sense of optimism that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Sam Marlowe of The Stage was among those who applauded the performance, noting the character’s ability to sustain joy and wonder even in chaotic moments. She celebrated the show’s sweetness and emotional sincerity, but also suggested the material could be strengthened with future development. “It’s enchanting, but it still needs work,” she wrote, describing the production as heartfelt but imperfect.
Strong Reception with Caveats
Dominic Cavendish of The Telegraph, who awarded the musical four stars, recognized its charm and significance in the growing landscape of British family musicals. He praised its warmth and energy but questioned whether it reaches the enduring artistic heights of classics such as “Mary Poppins” or “Matilda.”
Cavendish argued that the show occasionally felt “threadbare” and overloaded with musical numbers, with a structure that sometimes sacrificed narrative focus for spectacle. Still, he affirmed his support, closing his review with a playful nod to the production’s sentimental message and beloved bear protagonist.
Joy and Excess in Equal Measure
Arifa Akbar of The Guardian shared a similar balance of praise and critique, describing the show as “delightful” and filled with wonder. She emphasized that the production invites audiences into a magical world where cynicism has little room to survive.
However, Akbar felt the musical suffered from timing and pacing issues, finding the final sequences overly long and emotionally heavy-handed. The show’s extended length, she suggested, may test the patience of younger viewers.
Despite these reservations, Akbar stressed that audiences would need to possess “a strong sense of cynicism” to resist the charm and emotional warmth at the heart of the performance.
Imperfect but Endearing
While the show has sparked a range of opinions, a common theme emerges across reviews: audiences are responding strongly to the production’s heart, humor and nostalgic qualities. Critics generally agree that although the musical is not yet polished, its foundation is promising and its emotional appeal undeniable.
As crowds continue to fill theatres and word-of-mouth buzz spreads, the creative team may take the feedback as encouragement to refine the structure and pacing before a potential long-term run or international expansion.
For now, the show stands as a celebration of joy, imagination and family storytelling—even if it remains a work in progress.
