HERCULES
Official blurb: The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth.
It’s what classical civilisation would have wanted. Ancient Greece. A time of gods, mortals… and Hercules, who isn’t quite either. But if he’s not a god, how can he possibly save the world from Hades? It’s one thing flexing those pecs, but going from zero to hero requires a different kind of strength. Get ready for a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure and self-discovery. In tunics. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, with music by Disney Legend Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, a brand-new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, and co-choreography by Tanisha Scott, Hercules delivers a thrilling night out that leaves you ready to conquer anything.
My take: As a Disney lover and mega fan you know i was going to love this right? It hit all the buttons I wanted, wonderful music, fun staging and even lots of heart. My favorite part for sure are the muses, they always had some of the best songs in the movie, but here, they are taken up a notch , have way more material and are definitely the most interesting part of the show in all aspects: acting, singing and fabulous costumes! The stage is great and the costumes even though it took me a while to warm up to them, I ended up loving the modern greek take. I think all the casting is great, I especially loved Meg. My only casting like not love might be Hercules. His voice is good, not great, and physically he wasn’t exactly what I respected but he still does a very solid job. This adaptation is not going to win any great awards, its not super original, but it is going to make all the fans happy and provide a wonderful night out for some families.
My friends take: electric and nostalgic with that classic Disney feel
DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Official blurb: Gird your loins! THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has arrived and it’s “absolutely fabulous!” (The Standard). Featuring “irresistible songs” (The Standard) by Elton John and a “terrific” (Time Out) performance from VANESSA WILLIAMS in the iconic role of Miranda Priestly, this new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel is “a devil of a good time” (Daily Express). Strutting alongside Vanessa are GEORGIE BUCKLAND in an “eye-catching West End debut” (The i) as Andy, and AMY DI BARTOLOMEO as a “comic delight” (Metro) in the role of Emily, while Olivier Award-winner MATT HENRY gives an “endearing and soulful” (Time Out) performance as Nigel. Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted. With lyrics by Shaina Taub & Mark Sonnenblick, book by Lauren Weisberger & Kate Wetherhead and direction & choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray). Based on the Novel by Lauren Weisberger and the Twentieth Century Studios Motion Picture. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA is “dressed to impress” (Guardian) and “theatrical haute couture” (Digital Spy).
My take: I can summarize my thoughts on this show with: Expectations were not met. It might have been my problem for having too high of them, but when you are telling me you are using one of my favorite movies, with the music of one of my favorite musicians and you have the diva that is Vanessa Williams involved, my expectations should have been high because you were working with house money. As always lets talk first about what works. It is a fun show, there is plenty of dazzle and flashy numbers to keep you entertained and have a super fun night out. The music is good, nothing that I remembered after but it served its purpose (but again Elton John I expected better!). In terms of performances Vanessa Williams does a very good Miranda, even if her voice is really not a highlight, I feel her songs either don’t let her soar or her voice is just not were it used to be. Also Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily was a revelation! I loved her. Although here I will have my first qualm – why couldn’t we update the script more? In 2025 the fact that Andy was not model sized should not be the highlight – shes not fashionable, that’s the highlight. You had a chance to take that away as the actress who plays Emily is definitely heavier that Andy. However the story still is there which again makes no sense. Also why are we still in 2000? it made the costumes terrible but it really served no purpose not to make it current? could we have brought Devil wear Prada to 2025? but in terms of nostalgia that passes. However what does not pass is the costumes. This is a show about fashion so I expected killer fashion. I did not get killer fashion. I was disappointed from the first number when we were given airline attendants suits for the workers of Runway and it just collapsed from there. Also not having Andy have the Chanel boots and her terrible mom haircut is a travesty. its an average show that rides the coat tails of its IP but never highlights it or makes it better.
My friends take:
- Although not ground breaking, a great feel good show and I can’t miss if you are a fan of the movie.
- Amy Di Bartomoleo (Emily) steals the show, great performance
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Official blurb: The three-time Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is an epic, intimate and unforgettable West End hit – hailed as “THE BEST BRITISH MUSICAL IN DECADES” (WhatsOnStage) and “A MUSICAL TO TREASURE” (The Standard). Based on the iconic short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and reimagined in a Cornish fishing village by award-winning writing team Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, this unique, actor-musician led story is “EPIC AND CINEMATIC WITH A TREMENDOUS SCORE” (Daily Mail). Winning the 2025 Olivier Awards for Best New Musical, Outstanding Musical Contribution (Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall) and Best Actor in a Musical (John Dagleish), the 14-strong cast of actor-musicians playing 30 instruments perform “MIRACLES OF DEXTERITY ON STAGE” (The Times) – bringing to life a heart-burstingly, magical tale of a love that defies all odds. Under the light of a full moon, something most curious occurs… Benjamin Button is born old. Bound to the fate of growing younger each day, Benjamin wants nothing more than to live a little life. But will he ever find a place to belong? Playing at London’s Ambassadors Theatre until Saturday 11th October 2025 only, don’t miss your chance to see this “SURE-FIRE WEST END HIT” (The i) – you’ll love every second.
My take: I really did not know what to expect when i wen to see this, had gotten great word of mouth and won the Olivier so i figured I should stop by. The show is completely different from what I was expecting and kind of brilliant in it. It is a super small show, lots of Irish music, and the performers are the musicians as well in this really small but so talented cast. It gave me Once vibes in all the right ways. Will i be listening to the music of this in my car, no , but is it a beautiful piece of theater, absolutely. The way that they simplify a concept that could be very hard to put on stage is wonderful. The show has ample heart and it is beautifully shown throughout. My only complaint is that it could be a tad shorter.
My friends take: Benjamin Button was quite different from the film, but the story, music and acting were great !
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