You may have used the birds and the bees to explain to children where babies come from or maybe that’s how you learned yourself. Now there is a new comedy play at the Norwich Playhouse called “The Birds and the Bees.”
It’s a story about a beekeeper and turkey farmer and navigating life after divorce. Let me share more about the play (don’t worry no spoilers) and our review of The Birds and the Bees at Norwich Playhouse.
*We were invited to the press night to see the show so that we could share our experience with our readers. Photos in this post were provided by Norwich Theatre.
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About The Birds and the Bees
For the first time, Norwich Theatre has co-produced a show with New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and John Stalker Productions. The Birds and the Bees is based on Mark Crawford’s book, and adapted by James McDermott, who is one of the writers of East Enders and also wrote Robin Good and Tide and Time.
While the book is set in Canada, the play takes place in North Norfolk, just outside of Cromer, so expect plenty of Norfolk humour! It tells the story of Sarah, a turkey farmer, just after her marriage has fallen apart. She goes to stay with her mother, Gail, who is a beekeeper, who still hadn’t moved on from her divorce.
The Birds and the Bees Review
The Birds and the Bees is entertaining, heartwarming, and hilarious. It was nice to see an optimistic view on love later in life and a reminder that second chances do happen.
The story is relatable but not exactly what you might expect. The relationship between Sarah and her mum is definitely not perfect, but we are able to laugh about it.
The ensemble cast was fantastic. Louise Gold (Gail), Laura Doddington (Sarah), Richard McIver (Ben), and Siôn Tudor Owen (Earl) make a great comedic team.
All four are experienced stage actors, and three of them have tv credits, and one (Siôn Tudor Owen) also has film credits and his own production company. Siôn Tudor Owen may have stolen the show with his unexpected dance moves.
The music was fun too. When they needed to make adjustments to the set, the stage went dark and they would play tunes like “I gotta feeling” by the Blackeyed Peas and “Love will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division.
It almost felt more like we were binge-watching an American sitcom on Netflix than watching a theatre production. There were countless laughs, a few twists and turns, but in the end it was heart-warming.
The Birds and the Bees is perfect for a date night or friends night out. You will laugh, move along with the music, and leave the theatre with a smile.
The Birds and the Bees FAQs
It is on from 20 to 30 April 2022.
Tickets are £22 or £16.50 for students (plus a transaction fee). You can get 2 for 1 tickets if you use the discount code BUZZING. Book your tickets here.
The show is about 2.5 hours including a 20 minute interval.
No, the recommended age is 14 and up. The show contains occasional strong language, nudity, and blood.
There is a full bar at the Norwich Playhouse and they also have some snacks (like chocolate bars).
Norwich Playhouse is located on St. Georges Street right by the River Wensum. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Norwich Train Station.
If you are driving to the Norwich Playhouse, the closest car parks are St. Andrews and Monastery Court.
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