(C) MATT CROCKETT & MARK SENIOR
What’s the show about?
Faithful to the much loved film, starring Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada tells the story of Andy – a fresh faced college graduate who wants to be a serious writer in New York. She’s prepared to work her way up the ladder and gets a job as an assistant for Miranda Priestly, editor of fashion magazine Runway.
All Andy needs to do is stick it out for one year, working for the vicious devil, and then she can get a job anywhere. But with no interest in fashion and no fashion sense, can she stick it out when everyone is waiting for her to fail? In the world of fashion, only the ruthless survive.
The ‘Devil’ is a metaphor for the fashion industry and how you can become a slave to fashion – it can suck you in and ruin every facet of your life. A cut-throat industry that values beauty over happiness. Slaying the fashion game comes at a price.
Who’s in the cast?
Vanessa Williams, best known for her celebrated roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives (and more importantly the Bisto gravy advert) is perfectly cast as Miranda Priestly who not only commands the runway but now the stage! When she was announced to be playing the role I couldn’t believe I hadn’t considered her before as a potential option – her character Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty IS Miranda Priestly! She plays the role well, although I think I had very high expectations for her and perhaps hoped to see the character played more cutthroat and detestable.
Georgie Buckland (Shrek The Musical; Bedknobs and Broomsticks) makes her West End debut playing Andy and takes the role in her stride, perfectly embodying Anne Hathaway (from the film) but adding her own spin and with effortless powerhouse vocals.
Amy Di Bartolomeo (SIX; We Will Rock You) is the First Assistant to Miranda, Emily and she is the sharp-tongued ice queen we all wanted. Her opening number in Act 2 is brilliant comedy and starts a string of great songs (something missing somewhat in Act 1).
Rhys Whitfield (The Phantom of the Opera; Summer and Smoke) was the stand-out surprise performance for me as Andy’s long-term boyfriend, Nate which he played with aplomb!
James Darch (Mamma Mia!; Wicked) plays the devious journalist, Christian and Olivier Award winner, Matt Henry, as Runway’s Creative Fashion Director, Nigel. The beautiful Ethan Le Phong shines in every role he plays and his James Holt is pure sass.
Completing the cast are: Maddy Ambus, Gabby Antrobus, Selena Barron, Pamela Blair, Robertina Bonano, Lloyd Davies, Elishia Edwards, Akeem Ellis-Hyman, Elizabeth Fullalove, Jinny Gould, Natasha Heyward, Samuel How, Luke Jackson, Debbie Kurup, Liam Marcellino, Robbie McMillan, Ciro Lourencio Meulens, Gabriel Mokake, Theo Papoui, Christopher Parkinson, Eleanor Peach, Jon Reynolds, Harriet Samuel-Gray, Olivia Saunders, Kayleigh Thadani, Ella Valentine and Tara Yasmin.
Creative team
Featuring an original score by music legend, Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winner Elton John, lyrics by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, book by Kate Wetherhead.
The musical is based on Lauren Weisberger‘s best-selling 2003 novel and the 2006 blockbuster film from Twentieth Century Studios which went on to gross $326 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations.
Following a developmental run in Chicago in 2022, Jerry Mitchell now steers this brand-new reimagined production with direction and choreography and he gives it the full-out energy we have come to love from his work.
The costumes by Gregg Barnes are stunning (as you would expect) and Tim Hatley’s scenic design uses the huge stage of the Dominion Theatre well.
Final thought
A Feast for the Eyes: Stunning costumes, jaw-dropping set design, and choreography that struts straight off the runway. If you love the film, you’ll love the musical. There are some great songs and great performances. Get a ticket if you can (it’s pretty sold out until after christmas) and you’ll have a fun night out! I really enjoyed it!
Accessible Performances
BSL – 6 March 2025
Captioned – 2 April 2025
Audio Described – 15 May 2025
Relaxed – TBC
