Theatre Review: THE BOOK THIEF – The Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Niamh Palmer and the Ensemble of THE BOOK THIEF.

Niamh Palmer and the Ensemble of THE BOOK THIEF. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Full of heart, passion, and optimism, THE BOOK THIEF is a musical production that needs to be seen.

5 out of 5 stars

Having started as a novel published in 2005, then adapted to a feature film in 2013, THE BOOK THIEF now takes to the stage as a musical, beginning its journey on Bolton Octagon’s stage.

Set in Nazi Germany during the Second World War, THE BOOK THIEF follows young Liesel, who finds solace within words and books, words that can become weapons, words that can express love or hate, and words that can plant seeds of kindness.

The shadow of Death follows Liesel throughout her childhood within the Nazi regime, which grows ever stronger. Following the Death of her brother, Liesel is orphaned by the Death of her ‘communist’ mother and then fostered by an elderly couple, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. When the family hides a Jewish man in the basement, Liesel learns the true power of words – even when she becomes tormented by the loss of those she loves, a reoccurring theme that she can’t seem to escape.

Niamh Palmer & Charlie Murphy in THE BOOK THIEF.

Niamh Palmer & Charlie Murphy in THE BOOK THIEF. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Originally written by Markus Zusak, this production is adapted by award-winning author Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald. Directed by Lotte Wakeham, the artistic director of the Octagon, the production team balances this musical perfectly. The contrast of the darkness with the light, within every aspect of the stage show, ensures that the deeply heart-breaking storyline is besieged with light and heart-warming moments.

The bonds formed between characters in such a short space of time are beautifully natural. Young Liesel, played wonderfully by Niamh Palmer, forges strong relationships with her papa Hans, played by Jack Lord, Max, played by Daniel Krikler and fellow youngster Rudy, played by Charlie Murphy. It’s something often missing from musical theatre productions, the feeling you’re watching true relationships. Still, this production gets it just right – making it even more heart-breaking when one by one, these relationships are ripped apart by the war.

You may think, how can such a depressing subject be made into an all-singing, all-dancing musical? Well, that’s the beauty of it: the music deepens these relationships and intensifies emotions. You won’t be walking out singing the songs on repeat, but it works, and it works very well.

The choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves is sublime: from subtle hand motifs to full tap and jazz routines, the movement enhances each emotion impeccably, never giving more than the moment needs. Each aspect of the staging is weaved seamlessly into the choreography, from the streets of Germany to the basement of the Hubermann’s. The props bring the stage to life with flare and accuracy. The production is truly an ensemble production, with each cast member important to bringing the story to life.

The Ensemble of THE BOOK THIEF.

The Ensemble of THE BOOK THIEF. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The casting could not be more perfect. ‘Death’ itself takes form as the narrator, played by Ryan O’Donnell, a constant reminder that Death will come for everyone someday. His silky-smooth vocals and relaxed stage presence glide the audience through the story, bridging the gap between the audience and the characters. O’Donnell really is a pleasure to watch. The Hubermann’s, played by Jack Lord and Danielle Henry, are well matched: Henry’s stern and domineering presence perfectly partnered with Lord’s loveable sarcastic and sympathetic nature, making for the perfect Mr and Mrs Hubermann.

Of course, the children in the cast are phenomenal. Niamh Palmer and Charlie Murphy work brilliantly together and hold their own within an immensely talented cast. Palmer takes the audience on a journey through her emotions: from her hate, we feel her pain. From her playfulness, we feel her joy. Murphy is bursting with enthusiasm and charm, his mischievous ways a welcome escape from the looming threat.
As the world begins to repeat old habits, with the war in Ukraine worsening and the cost of living crisis causing financial struggles, this production inspires audiences to fight hate with kindness, and Liesel shows us that bonds can be built even during the hardest of times.

Niamh Palmer & the Ensemble in THE BOOK THIEF

Niamh Palmer & the Ensemble in THE BOOK THIEF. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Whether you’ve read the book or not, THE BOOK THIEF is a story destined to hit the stage. Don’t be fooled by the plot; this dark tale has a lot of joy, and the audience gets the happy ending they need.

THE BOOK THIEF is sublime, full of heart, passion, and optimism. Every element oozes excellence, every aspect immaculately presented, and every inch perfectly considered to present a production that needs to be seen. This won’t be the last you see of this production; we can expect (and hope for) great things for this musical.

THE BOOK THIEF runs at The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, until 15 October 2022.