AD | Tickets Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
TW/CW: flashing lights, loud music and noise, strobe lighting, smoke, haze, some strong language, mild sexual reference and discreet scenes of intimacy.
The list of movies being turned into musicals continues with the iconic 2006 film being added.Â
The Devil Wears Prada the musical previously had a tryout run across the pond in Chicago in July 2022, with a different director at hand. Now cut to this summer, the show had a pre-westend tryout in Plymouth before opening up at the Dominion Theatre in London's West End with the show now having Jerry Mitchell as its Director and Choreographer.Â
The Devil Wears Prada follows young aspiring Journalist Andy, who's not so interested in fashion, lands a job at the fashion magazine Runway working for the editor in Chief Miranda Priestly. Andy has to tackle the balance between work and personal life while also making choices to try to impress Miranda. Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, score by Sir Elton John, Lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, and the book by Kate Wetherhead.
While this show is probably one of the most anticipated WestEnd openings this year, some things felt mixed and felt slightly undeveloped or needed more to bring it all together to turn out to be outstanding overall. But does that mean I didn’t enjoy it? No I definitely did!
Jerry Mitchell directs and choreographs, Mitchell’s directing and choreo has probably been seen by many in various productions. Mitchell’s directing for this show had its ups and downs. The moments of tension felt it needed a little more for me personally, to bring out the tension between assistant Andy and Emily (played by Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo), but Mitchell’s direction does bring out a good insight to the relationship between Andy and Nate (Played Rhys Whitfield). While also creating brilliant entrances for the iconic Miranda Priestly (played by Vanessa Williams) which got whoops and cheers from her first appearance coming up onstage. Mitchell definitely creates comedic moments, one great example was the scenes during Emily in hospital, bringing direction, dialogue and choreography together to create laugh out louds moments through the audience.
Mitchell's choreography is simple, taking some definitely obvious inspiration from iconic dance moves from different years, Mitchell's choreography needed to be a little more pushed at certain points, as while during the catwalk scenes, to me it was missed opportunity at times to not have the cast dance the runway, rather than feeling like they was just walking it (and I know models walk a runway, but its a musical!). What does work for this production is the Ball scene and how this was presented through direction and choreography, Mitchell’s direction approach for this scene was well executed and brilliant to watch.
Book writer, Kate Wetherhead, condenses this iconic film and brilliantly adapts this story to bring it to the stage, it’s good to say that Wetherhead won’t disappoint the fans of film as by keeping the iconic lines that the movie is well known for, the show is full of hilarious moments that will make audiences laugh throughout, especially through the character of Emily, while also creating unexpected reactions at points in the show coming from the audiences. Wetherhead brings characters to life in a theatrical setting really well, Wetherhead leaves a new stamp on this film in this stage adaptation which fans can be easily impressed by.Â
While the show's score is written by none other than Sir Elton John, and Lyrics written by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, unfortunately the music is one of the biggest let downs of this show in the sense of delivering an iconic sound for an iconic show. The score tries to carry a pop sound throughout the duration of the show but unfortunately struggles, at times I wanted the songs to be more elevated in its complexity. Lyric writers Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick both write lyrics that are good and get over what they need to do moving the story forward, plus also adding to the character development, which do get a round of applause from their delivery by the cast. As much effort the score and the lyrics showed, they sadly both don’t leave a memorable mark as they should do in some of the songs. I should say though, two standout songs for me were ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Seen’, both definitely were a highlight in the show.
The cast do a great job delivering the shows mixed material, Vanessa Williams, plays the icon that is Miranda Priestly. Williams creates what is a sharp and straightforward Miranda and also shows that she has Andy wrapped around her finger from point one. Williams gets an excellent cheer in the first entrance, and quite rightly. What is great to see is Williams sticking to the character fans know from the movie, with her sternness and what could be called an ice-cold facial expression, while also delivering the dialogue with a no nonsense approach, Vanessa Williams commands the ‘Runway’.Â
Amy Di Bartolomeo, plays Emily Charlton, Di Bartolomeo gives diva-esque at times in the dialogue against Georgie Buckland’s, Andy Sachs. Di Bartolomeo is witty, and also exaggerated at times to level up the funniness, which definitely works. Di Bartolomeo has great vocal ability and is pleasing to hear throughout.
Matt Henry is simply loveable and sweet as Nigel. Henry's vocals are divine and you are in awe when you hear them, especially in ‘Seen’. Henry’s character is encouraging towards Buckland, which helps build the story and change of Andy. Henry shines throughout every time on stage.Â
Georgie Buckland plays Andy, Buckland creates a shy and unsure character at first but quickly shows the determination to impress to work her way up in the company, or should I say ‘Dress Your Way Up!’ With some beautiful vocals and great characterisation Buckland is a loveable performer to watch.Â
The show's design elements are aesthetically pleasing, from outstandingly luxurious costumes, a grand staircase at the end of act 1 and moody lighting to help both the design side of the show, is one thing that does make this production shine, it's appealing to the eye. It feels expensive as it should and it’s what the show needs to stand out.
The Devil Wears Prada is a show that will have its fans. The whole production in its design is wow. But the music needs work to make sure it captures the story and the audience, which for now it doesn’t, it’s a mixed bag of things that are great and things that need improvements. All in all it's still an enjoyable and watchable show that fans will be booking to see their favourite fashion magazine come to life on stage. Â
★★★
The Devil Wears Prada plays at Dominion Theatre, London until 18 October 2025.
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