Opening a new musical is a daring venture and an expensive game; opening a completely new musical in the West End is pretty much Russian Roulette these days. However despite the non-stop invasion of shows based on music from pop groups such as Queen or Rod Stewart, something new has surfaced…it’s something magical and it’s something that could revive the West-End from it’s current position, it’s The Beautiful and Damned.

A completely new musical with a new score and lyrics from the team that brought you songs such as “It’s Not Unusual”, and “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” Les Reed and Roger Cook, the book by Kit Hesketh Harvey and direction/choreography from Oliver Award nominated Craig Revel Horwood. A classy team, for a classy show.

Based on the lives of America novelist F,Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, the wild-child couple of the roaring 20s, drink, drugs, dancing, and jazz coupled with greed, hedonism and ambition were the morals of the day and this couple were the bright young things of their generation.

The show is a bittersweet tale of their extraordinary lives, which is hugely accessible to any audience. If you know the story or not, you’re in for a whale of a time with this lavish and delightful production. Appealing to an older audience is difficult, but this show does it admirable whilst still encompassing the elated younger audience or American tourists. 

The script has real depth, and the songs with their beautiful harmonies and telling lyrics couple the story with the era perfectly. From the jazzy title song Beautiful and Damned to the striking Beautiful Magnolia each song rouses a swell of emotions from the audience. 

The Beautiful and Damned is a real treat, with fantastic performances all round from a lively, energetic and ‘up-for-it’ cast who put there all into the production. Michael Praed delivers a stunning portrayal of F.Scott with disarming charm, his leading lady is Helen Anker who is unbelievably good as Zelda. A startling voice and superlative dance skills are only matched by her acting talents as she brings this character to life in a way that no other actress could do. The supporting cast are all worthy of a mention Susannah Fellows plays Zelda’s mother with finesse and Jo Gibb’s multi role part really shows off her talents. Particular praise must go to Jake Samuels in the chorus who shone throughout and gave his all, particular during a fantastic tap dance routine at the beginning of act two.

The dance routines live up to the name of the show being truly beautiful. Jazzy numbers and large set pieces involving the Charleston and other dances of the 20s bring the audience to applause mid-number as they delight in every perfected move.  Notably the title song is a highlight, complete with water fountain and non-stop dancing which leaves the audience open mouthed in wonder as they see the sceptical unfold. The set and lighting are pitched perfectly to reflect the era and always give the stage a sumptuous look, the costumes and wondrous and a joy to look at.

This is a glittering, glamorous, gorgeous show, which guarantees you a great evening out. The engaging story and enjoyable songs help set this show apart. A show which is old-fashioned yet unique. A beautiful musical, which will have audience’s reliving the 20s for a long time to come. Go on…tap dance your way to The Lyric and have a roaring good time.

Performance times at the Lyric Theatre will be Mondays-Saturdays at 7.45pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3.00pm. Tickets, priced from £15.00-£45.00, are available from the Lyric Theatre Box Office on 0870 890 1107.

  For more information visit www.beautifulmusical.com

To hear some music from the show check out 

http://www.beautifulmusical.com/musical/the_music/the_music.asp

The Tick List:

Story

Music

Set

Costumes


Cast

Overall

Buy tickets for events:

Sponsors