Bonnie Langford has criticised parents after she spotted a child watching an iPad while she performed on stage. The EastEnders actress, 62, is about to star in the new Paddington musical at the West End and said it “takes you to a place of nostalgia”.
She appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to promote the musical but mentioned a moment that particularly bothered her during a performance.
Criticism of Parents in Theatre
“At Paddington the other day there were parents and the kid was watching the iPad,” she said. “What’s the point?”
“When you bring kids to theatre… the world is very different now to what it used to be and kids don’t sit still or quietly anymore so it’s exciting when they do. There’s no screen between us and them. Something is happening that moment that is never gonna happen again, even though you’re repeating the show.”
“I just think it’s so important that kids are prepared for that. Whoever is bringing that child has to talk them through it. The first instance isn’t just talking them outside.”
Paddington Musical Details
Paddington: The Musical, based on the characters from Michael Bond’s series of books, is due to premiere in London’s West End next month. Langford will play the role of housekeeper Mrs Bird at the Savoy Theatre.
She said: “There’s something about it that is beautifully calming and simplistic and kind and just about an open heart.”
“And that’s what we have with our musical. It sort of takes you to a place of nostalgia, or just simplicity of life.”
Former child star Langford said McFly star Tom Fletcher has created the music for the “beautiful, beautiful show”. “He’s done a fabulous job,” she added. “He’s written a fantastic score, very, very eclectic. It’s fabulous, and it’s a big show.”
“We went into the theatre yesterday for the first time, and it’s a big production, but absolutely beautiful and a gorgeous story – beautiful music.”
“Funnily enough, we were rehearsing the other day, and a journalist came in and watched some of the rehearsal, and they cried.”
“But it’s not soppy, it’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s for everyone.” She said it was not just for children but an “everybody show”. Paddington: The Musical will premiere on November 1.
