Musical Review: The Book Thief ★★★★

Markus Zusak teaches us in The Book Thief that ‘words are the most powerful force there is’, and in this musical adaption from The Octagon Theatre, that couldn’t be more the case; with ensemble fluttering books around the stage when Liesel enter’s the Library, it’s a beautiful tableau that engrosses the audience of all generations in the backdrop of Good Teeth’s fresh design in set and costume.

In this 500 seat auditorium, Artistic Director Lotte Wakehams throws love and care into making this production stick in our minds; at the very forefront of this piece is Liesel, a role in which would be demanding for any young performer, but here Niamh Palmer delights and excels in capturing the emotion and drive, alongside Charlie Murphy as Rudy, who does appear more sparingly, but has bounded energy that does not allow you to take your eyes off him. Throughout the run at The Octagon, Bea Glancy and Alfie Corbett also get to share the role (In this performance they appear for the Curtain Call), so there is plenty of chance for all four performers to equally shine on stage.

Matching the desolation of the story beats throughout is the enchanting music from Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, Broadway Veterans who have clearly had the years of patience to perfect their craft especially with these numbers; I challenge you to leave the theatre and not be impulsed to sing ‘Hello Stars’ as you look up at the night’s sky. It’s a stark and haunting reminder though that their contribution to the music allows hope to seep through, juxtapositioned with the terror that lies in store for all in the story.

As an ensemble piece, everyone on stage moves with rhythm and precision thanks to Tom Jackson Greaves astonishing choreography; each cast member acts like a singular page in a book, never once tearing away from the bind that holds them all together in place, whether they are creating the golden hue of a long stemmed tree, or a boxing ring that holds Max ( the artful Daniel Krikler) so central to the piece. Ryan O’Donnell should be given a mention though for his role as Narrator; If you know the material well, you’ll understand he acts more of a figure than Narrator, but the way he captures our attention from the very first moment of speech, we are fully in with his charm and attentive nature. As he moves constantly with the story, either as a background character or lurking in the shadows, you can’t help but be on your guard as if something unusual is about to unfold.

So whether you are a fan of the book, the film, or coming in blind, this musical adaptation of The Book Thief has something for everyone, and by the time you leave, you may have even captured some seeds of happiness.

The Book Thief runs at The Octagon Theatre in Bolton until Saturday 15th October, with tickets available here.