.png)
REVIEW | Saving Mozart, The Other Palace - London
- Harry Brogan
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Saving Mozart, the story of a child prodigy and his music that refused to die. Step into the mind of a genius — and meet the extraordinary women who shaped, challenged, and ultimately saved him.
Staged at The Other Palace, this production offers a fresh perspective on a well-known story, blending contemporary elements with historical context. From the very opening moments—with the ensemble moving in slow motion—to the final chord, this bold new musical electrifies the stage with emotional truth, stunning visuals, and unforgettable vocal moments.
Julia Pschedezki’s costumes deliver a modern twist on historical fashion, the production features costumes that blend period elements with contemporary styles, creating a visually striking aesthetic- ruffled collars, corsets, and sleeves combined with contemporary tailoring and leather boots. The use of black and white as a base, accented with hints of blue, red, and green, adds depth and emotion to the storytelling. Mozart’s symbolic red coat, in a moment of stage charge, beautifully ties movement, costume and narrative into one image.
The choreography, crafted by Taylor Walker, is slick and dynamic, seamlessly complementing the scenes and songs. Each movement feels purposeful, enhancing the emotional resonance of the narrative. During “Stand Up, Stand Down”, ensemble formations and scattered chairs create visual architecture that heightens narrative tension—not simply to fill space.
The casting of Saving Mozart is outstanding from Aimie Atkinson delivering a standout performance as Nannerl, Mozart's sister. Atkinson's portrayal is powerful and nuanced, capturing the complexities of her character. Atkinson's voice is angelic whilst commanding the stage with every note. Erin Caldwell, as Constanze, brings a rich and prominent presence, particularly in the duet "This Won't Break Me" with Atkinson. This song is moving and extremely powerful, showcasing their vocal chemistry and emotional depth throughout, giving me goosebumps.
The young performer Izzie Monk who portrayed Little Mozart at this performance exhibits remarkable stage presence and vocal clarity for her age, indicating a bright future in the West End. Their performance adds a layer of innocence and wonder to the production.
The ensemble's performances are heartfelt, realistic, and emotive, delivering moments that gave me goosebumps throughout the entire performance.
Charli Eglinton's score is impressive—a dynamic blend of pop and hip-hop rhythms with clever homage to Mozart’s own motifs. Songs like “Know Your Place”, “He’s Only a Child”, “This Won’t Break Me”, and the final “The World Will As Well” leave a lingering resonance. The finale, with its ensemble staging and layered visuals, may echo Hamilton in structure, but it retains a voice all its own. The set design (by Justin Williams) is minimalist yet effective, featuring a large illuminated "M" and mirrors that serve as powerful visual metaphors. The use of the piano as a central set piece adds to the musicality of the production.
The book also written by Charli Eglinton, uses witty, simple jokes which adds levity to the production, making the audience laugh out loud. The dynamic, punchy scenes are captivating throughout, keeping the audience engaged. The final operatic scene is impactful and moving, conveying the message that even if you fail and get knocked down, you should keep going and believe in yourself. The ending is conclusive, moving, and impactful, with the use of the quote "the world is yours to write and colours burn bright."
In conclusion, Saving Mozart is a revolutionary reimagining of Mozart's legacy, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar story. With its innovative design, compelling performances, and powerful music, it is a production that will resonate long after the final curtain falls. A must-see for theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike, we need a soundtrack as soon as possible
★★★★★
Saving Mozart plays at the other palace until 30th of August.
Kommentarer