Demon Dentist

Birmingham Stage Company have been adapting and staging David Walliams books for several years. They have developed a production style that fits perfectly with Walliams wit and love of larger-than-life characters. The Demon Dentist is another classic.

Neal Foster has cleverly adapted the story into a ninety-five-minute show that enthrals and entertains throughout. The pace added with the cleverness of Jackie Trousdale’s ever mobile set keeps young and old on the edge of their seats.

It is packed with the yucky things that always excite the youngsters even when of a scary nature. As Miss Root (Demon Dentist) Emily Harrigan excels. She brings to the character the sugary sweetness of Mary Poppins mixed with a heavy dash of Cruella De Vil., making the most of every tooth aching moment.

At the centre of the story is Alfie who has neglected his dental hygiene. He is a perfect victim for Miss Root. Sam Varley has bundles of energy and brings a quirkiness that is perfect for the role of Alfie. He switches from action to tender moments with great ease. With the help of Winnie (Misha Malcolm) from social services Alfie is struggling to take care of his invalided Dad (James Mitchell).

With the help of his feisty ‘girlfriend’ Gabz (Georgia Grant-Anderson) he uncovers the truth about Miss Root, and they plot her downfall. Along the way we meet Newsagent Raj (Zain Abrahams), who is a choc filled delight. He comes to Alfie’s rescue with his dead wife’s teeth after Alfie’s have been removed. He produces one of the yuckiest moments when he calmy drinks the water the teeth were in. Another delightful cameo is Ben Eagle as the crisp obsessed PC Plank.

Punctuating the action are songs and music from composer Jak Poore. These add much to the fun and the emotional drive of the show.

For adults, the dramatic tooth extractions can feel a little unsettling. As reminders of childhood visits when an appointment in the dentist’s chair was a more brutal encounter. But the young in audience love it all. It is wonderful to see David Walliams story brought to life with such heart and the moments of loss are handled beautifully. This is a perfect treat for all ages and guaranteed to improve dental hygiene, for a while a least.

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