We all at least thought about it at some point in our childhoods—but some, like Barry (yes, a 10-year-old named Barry), go a bit further and actually wish for it: the option to choose their own parents.

In David Baddiel’s adaptation of his whimsical children’s novel, The Parent Agency, a frustrated pre-teen—who it’s impossible not to empathise with at times—enters an alternate universe days before his 11th birthday. Here, he no longer has to deal with “poverty,” rules, or tired and boring parents. Barry experiences four sets of parents, ultimately arriving at a predictable yet meaningful conclusion, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz et al.

At the Gala Night, Max Bispham commands the stage as Barry, expertly leading the company with sharp comic timing. The cast as a whole excels in humour, with Rebecca McKinnis delivering delightfully quirky incarnations of the mother figure. Louis Wilkins gives a heart-warming performance as Boy, while Elliot Broadfoot brings boundless energy. Natasha Cayabyab and Kazmin Borrer as Ginny and Kay deserve special mention—not only for their hoverboarding skills but for providing much-needed laughs for the 11+ audience, thanks to their strong chemistry.

While Baddiel’s book aims to appeal to all ages, the humour primarily lands with the younger crowd, leaving adults with only occasional chuckles. Dan Gillespie Sells’ music is a slightly mixed bag—there are catchy moments, particularly Barry and the high-energy Gonna Make You Sweat, but the score lacks consistent earworms.

Jon Bausor’s design is visually creative but, at times, it doesn’t reach the high-end spectacle seen in similar shows. Some staging choices shine, particularly the inventive use of trampolines alongside Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s choreography and Zoe Spurr’s lighting design. Sarah Mercadé’s costumes, enhanced by Craig Forrest-Thomas’ wigs and make-up, also add charm. However, large set pieces feel cumbersome, with transitions occasionally disrupting the flow. A more dynamic solution—perhaps a musical interlude with The Parent Agency workers moving the sets—could smooth these moments, particularly in Barry’s bedroom scenes.

Director, Tim Jackson has expressed his desire to create “theatre for everyone, not just for theatre people,” and this production embraces that spirit. While The Parent Agency has moments of magic, especially for younger audiences and families seeking an affordable alternative to West End spectacles, it could benefit from a little more finesse. With sharper execution and an extra wink-wink nudge-nudge for the adults, it has the potential to be truly special.

The Parent Agency runs at Storyhouse until Sunday 2nd March. Further information and tickets can be found here.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Photography by both Mark McNulty and others provided by the production.