Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Josh St Clair. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Josh St Clair. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday, 25 September 2025
50 First Dates Musical World Premiere Review: A Fun, Heartwarming New Rom-Com for the Stage
50 First Dates the Musical
The Other Palace
Walking into the world premiere of 50 First Dates: The Musical, I didn’t really know what to expect. I haven’t seen the original film, so I came in with fresh eyes and no preconceptions. What I got was a fun, heartwarming tale full of laugh-out-loud comedy, sweet romance, and a cast that truly pours their energy into every moment. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a crowd-pleasing new addition to the musical theatre scene.
The story follows Lucy, played by Georgina Castle, who is utterly charming in the role. She brings warmth, humour, and vulnerability to a character who could easily feel one-note. Opposite her, Josh St Clair shines as Henry, balancing comic timing with a sincerity that makes their relationship believable. Together, they make a likeable pairing, grounding the show’s quirkiness with genuine chemistry.
For me, though, the standout was Chad St Louis as Sandy, a Disney-loving character who lights up the stage every time he appears. His vocals are sublime, soaring, effortless, and memorable; and his comic flair makes him the kind of scene-stealer audiences will talk about afterwards. Natasha O’Brien is also perfectly cast as Delilah; she’s hilarious, bold, and brings a spark of chaos that keeps the momentum rolling. The rest of the ensemble is equally strong, with every performer pulling their weight to create a show that feels tightly knit and well-rehearsed.
At just one act and around 100 minutes, the show is lean and well-paced, managing to pack in both big laughs and tender moments. However, the ending does feel a little rushed, as if the creative team were racing to tie everything together before the curtain falls. Another ten minutes of breathing space might have allowed the conclusion to land with more emotional weight.
The music is fun and infectious in the moment, and the cast performs it with absolute gusto. The problem is that, like Lucy’s forgetful condition, none of the songs really stick in your head after you leave the theatre. They’re enjoyable while you’re watching, but there aren’t any standout motifs or melodies that elevate the show into instant-classic territory. A stronger, more memorable score would take 50 First Dates from enjoyable to unmissable.
Visually, the production is bright and colourful, with clever set design that helps transport the audience into its tropical, playful world without overcomplicating things. The choreography is light, cheeky, and matches the tone of the show, keeping things lively throughout.
In the end, 50 First Dates: The Musical is exactly what you’d want from a rom-com on stage: it’s funny, heartwarming, and full of charm. The cast is excellent, the pacing is snappy, and there’s a lot of joy to be had in watching it. It might not yet be destined for the status of a theatrical classic, but it’s certainly a promising and highly entertaining premiere.
★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 24th September 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: 50 First Dates musical review, world premiere 50 First Dates stage show, Georgina Castle Lucy 50 First Dates, Josh St Clair Henry 50 First Dates, Chad St Louis Sandy Disney 50 First Dates, Natasha O’Brien Delilah 50 First Dates, new musicals 2025 review, rom-com musical UK premiere.
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
Ghost the Musical UK Tour: Great Cast, Ghostly Magic, But Time for a Refresh? | REVIEW
Ghost the Musical (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Based on the beloved 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, Ghost the Musical first premiered in Manchester in 2011 before transferring to the West End and Broadway. With a book by Bruce Joel Rubin (who also penned the original screenplay) and a pop-infused score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, the musical brings romance, loss, and the supernatural to the stage. The current UK tour proves there's still plenty of love for this story and though a few creaky moments show its age, the emotional core and a jaw-dropping central performance keep it engaging and enjoyable.
This touring production is anchored by a genuinely great cast, with standout performances across the board. At the heart of it all is the phenomenal Rebekah Lowings, whose portrayal of Molly is nothing short of spellbinding. Her vocals are among the best I’ve ever heard. Rich, emotional and technically flawless, she brings such raw depth to the role that you can’t help but root for her from her very first note. Honestly, I want to see her in everything from now on.
Josh St. Clair also provides some great vocal moments and makes for a compelling Sam, navigating the tricky emotional beats of his spectral role with sensitivity. As Carl, James Mateo-Salt is a real standout, bringing a great intensity to the role and some top level vocals to match, while Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae delivers excellent comic timing and vibrant charisma, perfectly lifting the mood just when it’s needed. The show benefits from this balance of emotional sadness and humour, which helps it maintain a fairly fast pace and keeps the audience emotionally invested throughout.
That said, Ghost the Musical does show its age in places. Some moments feel a little on the cringe-worthy side, especially in the dialogue and transitions, and it’s easy to imagine how a subtle modern refresh-whether through design or direction- could polish off the rougher edges. The choreography also feels a little mismatched with the tone of the piece; while the dance breaks are energetic, they often feel more suited to a pop concert than a supernatural love story.
Despite that, the show offers some strong technical elements. The special effects (particularly those ghostly illusions) are slick and satisfying, and the lighting does a lot to establish mood and movement. While the sound mix could use some fine-tuning (a few ensemble lyrics got lost in the score), the overall production values are solid for a touring show.
Ultimately, this Ghost might not be reinventing the wheel, but it’s still an entertaining and emotionally satisfying night at the theatre. With a cast this talented, and a leading lady who deserves every starring role coming her way, it’s easy to overlook some of the creakier bits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or simply in the mood for a musical that blends romance, comedy, and a touch of the otherworldly, this tour is worth catching.
★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 15th April by Olivia
Photo Credit: Alastair Muir
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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