Freaky Friday the Musical – Not Bad, Just Flawed but Full of Potential
The new stage musical Freaky Friday, based on Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel and the hit Disney films starring Jodie Foster in 1976 and later Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in 2003, has arrived in the UK for its premiere at HOME in Manchester.
What is Freaky Friday about
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically switch bodies, they have just one day to put things back the way they were. By living in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie learn to understand each other’s challenges, discover self acceptance and realise the depth of love and respect that holds their relationship together.
Where the story falls short
The main issue is the script by Bridget Carpenter. The plot often feels muddled and several moments make little sense.
Ellie gives her crush Adam a sandwich every morning because her mother Katherine apparently makes the best lunches. Adam accepts them happily but the reason for this exchange is never explained. It comes across less like flirting and more like something important we are supposed to understand but never do (and what does Ellie eat?).
Adam is Torrey’s (Katherine’s business assistant) son but despite this close connection, (Ellie has a crush on Adam) none of them seem to know each other. Even at the wedding, Torrey and Adam sit apart rather than together which feels strange.
Most importantly, Katherine and Ellie switch bodies within the first five minutes. The audience never gets to know who they are before the chaos begins which leaves no space for comedy. The fun of Freaky Friday comes from watching two characters imitate each other’s quirks. Here, there is no foundation to build on so it feels more like a childish mother and a teenage girl who behaves far beyond her years.
When ten year old Fletcher runs away, the family barely reacts. Katherine and Ellie are more focused on arguing about their swapped bodies than on the wellbeing of a missing child. Moments like this weaken the emotional core the story tries to build.
The cast
Rebecca Lock (Here and Now; Heathers the Musical) plays Katherine and gives a sensational performance. She brings strength, warmth and brilliant vocals to the role.
Jena Pandya (Come Fall in Love; Bhangra Nation) plays Ellie and although she begins a little shaky, she settles confidently as the show progresses.
Max Mirza (Clueless the Musical) is charming as Adam, a character who loves sandwiches and women in equal measure.
Tori Scott (The Cher Show) does well as Torrey and brings as much comedy as she can to a character who should have had more to do.
James Stirling (The Three Musketeers) as Grampa Jo and Catherine Millsom (Sister Act) as Grandma Helene are clearly younger than their roles. Their scenes feel unnecessary and waste their talent.
Rising stars to watch
One of the joys of theatre is spotting performers in the ensemble who shine. Ellie Gilbert-Grey, making her professional stage debut as Laurel, is exactly that. She stands out in every scene and is absolutely one to watch.
Morgan Gregory (The Lightning Thief) also impresses as Parker and switches convincingly between adult and teenage energy.
Direction and creative elements
The direction by Andy Fickman is surprisingly uneven. Known for bringing Heathers to the stage and recently adapting 13 Going On 30, expectations were understandably high. Here, the staging feels a little lazy. Fickman could have smoothed out the script’s rough edges through clearer staging choices.
The music by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning team behind Next to Normal, is catchy and memorable. The cast performs it brilliantly. The choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento is sharp, playful and exciting.
Final thoughts
Freaky Friday is a tricky show to review because it has so much potential. The cast is strong, the music is engaging and the choreography is excellent. The script and direction hold it back from reaching the magical heights it could achieve.
It is not a bad musical. It is simply flawed. With changes to the writing and direction, it could become something special.
★★★
West End Wilma
Freaky Friday is playing at HOME Manchester until 10 January 2026.
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