west end reviews

Clueless ★★★★☆

As Cher Horowitz might say, “Ugh, as if!” you’d miss this fabulously fun West End adaptation of Clueless. Based on Amy Heckerling’s 1995 cult classic film—a modern-day Jane Austen tale wrapped in plaid skirts and knee-high socks—this musical is a high-energy romp through Beverly Hills that’s equal parts camp and charm. It’s got drama, laughs, […]

Canned Goods ★★★★☆

Even though it’s only February, Canned Goods at Southwark Playhouse has probably already got the (imaginary) award for Most Disturbing Play of 2025 in the, ahem, can. Canned Goods is a gripping drama that delves into one of World War II’s most obscure yet pivotal moments: the Nazi operation ‘Grandmother Died’, where German forces staged […]

One Man Musical ★★★★☆

Alright, theatre aficionado, get ready to dive into the wonderfully wacky world of One Man Musical at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. This isn’t your typical Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute show. Forget the usual reverence; this production is a hilarious roast, lovingly crafted by the comedic duo Flo & Joan and brought to life by the talented […]

Stranger Things: The First Shadow ★★★★☆

As you step into the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End, get ready to be transported to Hawkins, Indiana, where the ordinary and extraordinary collide. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is an immersive theatrical experience that delves into the origins of terror and mystery that would later define its iconic characters. Conceived by Matt and […]

Oedipus ★★☆☆☆

This adaptation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy is like trying to solve the Sphinx’s riddle all over again—except this time, it’s not just about answering ‘what walks on four legs in the morning?’ but also figuring out how dance and drama can tango together without stepping on each other’s toes. The story unfolds in Thebes. Oedipus (played […]

The Pirates of Penzance ★★★☆☆

Mike Leigh’s revitalised production of The Pirates of Penzance at the English National Opera’s Coliseum is a fun, but ultimately unsatisfying testament to the enduring charm of Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1879 comic opera. At its heart, The Pirates of Penzance is a parody of Victorian propriety, poking fun at the rigid class structures and moral […]

The Producers ★★★★☆

The latest revival of The Producers at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London’s West End proves that some classic musicals never go out of style. This uproarious tale follows the misadventures of Max Bialystock, a washed-up Broadway producer, and his anxious accountant, Leo Bloom. Together, they hatch a ludicrous plan to create the worst musical […]

MJ the Musical ★★★☆☆

In this age of ‘cancelling’ celebrities, it is sometimes surprising to see which offending personality is subjected to this unenviable fate and which isn’t. A television presenter who has embarked on a workplace same-sex affair seemingly has his entire professional life and psychological well-being ruined, whereas an artist against whom there have been far more […]

Operation Mincement ★★★★★

Operation Mincemeat, the new musical dazzling audiences at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End and about to erupt onto Broadway, is a delightful concoction of history, humour, and just the right amount of heart. This show takes you on a wild ride through one of World War II’s most audacious deceptions. The story begins […]

Road Show ★★★☆☆

Road Show was Stephen Sondheim’s final musical.  It is a wild ride through the ups and downs of ambition, family ties, and that ever-elusive American Dream. Set in the early 20th century, it tells the story of brothers Addison and Wilson Mizner as they stumble through a series of misadventures in their quest for success. […]