The tragic turn the events take after Walters found fame by flying 16,000ft above LA using a lawn chair and around 42 helium-filled balloons might be difficult for some. However, the eye-catchingly presented 1980s setting, catchy, propulsively delivered songs and the funny, touching and imaginative way in which Larry’s story is told means that is it sure to find a devoted and appreciative audience.

Charlie McCullagh and Simon Anthony

Evelyn Hoskins

Charlie McCullagh and the cast of 42 Balloons

The cast of 42 Balloons

PRODUCTION CREDITS

42 Balloons

The Lowry, Salford, 2 May 2024

Starring Evelyn Hoskins, Charlie McCullagh, Gillian Hardie, Lejaun Sheppard, Simon Anthony, Jordan Broatch, Maddison Bulleyment, Athena Collins, Morgan Gregory, Luke Latchman, Laura Dawn Pyatt, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda and Natasha Wilde

Directed by Ellie Coote

42 Balloons runs until 19 May – for information and tickets, visit 42balloons.com

You can read our full review in the June/July issue of Musicals magazine out 31 May – consider subscribing today!

You can listen to the studio cast album of 42 Balloons below via Apple Music