With a New Music Theatre award already under its belt, Babies has been ready to burst onto the scene since its conception in 2021.

At The Other Palace, we follow a group of Year 11 students as they’re given a baby robot simulator to care for. A simple premise but one which makes for a wonderfully relatable coming-of-age story, packed with humour and heart.

Geelan and Godfrey’s brainchild is funny, really funny, but there is also plenty of depth and grit here too as the babies lead the group down a road of self-discovery as we see each of them dealing with so much more than becoming a teen ‘parent’.

The songs are the jewel in the crown here. Every number, from the inimitable ‘Hot Dad’ to the heartbreaking ‘Without Saying Goodbye’ expertly narrate the story whilst evoking emotion, leaving you with the overwhelming feeling that you’ll be humming the tunes on the train all week. Occasionally, the powerful band means some of the lyrics in the group numbers are trickier to make out, but the messaging remains clear: navigating how to be a grown up and a child all at once is tough.

Individually and collectively, the cast are all strong. Most of the relationships feel authentic and the cast are clearly having a blast. Lauren Conroy as Jasmine captures the teen under pressure role so convincingly that you empathise with her from the off, despite her condescending ways. Zoe Athena as Leah is perfect casting, troubled but feigning nonchalance to her friends, and Becky and Lulu’s dynamic is hilariously performed by Jaina Brock Patel and Lucy Carter. Bradley Riches wears Toby well, and Max Mulrenan, in his professional debut, has great comic timing as Ben.

Babies may be in its infancy but with catchy lyrics and laughs a plenty, it’s got all the hallmarks of becoming a solid fan favourite.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

Babies plays at The Other Palace until 14 July, with tickets available here.