Sometimes, when sitting down to write a review, you can get lost in the myriad of things you feel expected to comment on. So before I begin, let me just say this: Redcliffe is a beautifully emotional journey that deserves to be seen by everyone.

The Story

Set against the backdrop of 18th century England, Redcliffe is a new musical based on the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold – two men in Bristol, whose lives and love are documented in the public accounts of 1753. It is an epic tale of forbidden love and the persecution that surrounded it and it carries the weight that only true stories can.

William, a man of humble beginnings, is swept up in a hurricane of passion and danger when he meets Richard (a sailor passing through town). When they meet, it forces both men to question everything they understood about themselves and the world they live in.

Richard, at first reluctant, eventually opens up about a man he once loved: a man who was arrested and executed for sodomy but who never gave up Richard’s name to the authorities. It is a guilt Richard has carried ever since. When history threatens to repeat itself and William faces the same impossible choice (to protect himself or protect the man he loves) the stakes become almost unbearable to watch.

The show takes some liberties with the historical record, which is only right and proper. The age gap between the two men is quietly set aside which is a good move, given how easily that detail could have distracted modern audiences from the story being told.

The location of the pivotal witnessed act has been shifted from the back room of a pub to a cave, giving the scene a more cinematic, exposed quality that serves the drama well and makes it feel more romantic than seedy.

At its heart, this is a story about love. Love between two people – any two people.

The Creative Team

Redcliffe marks Jordan Luke Gage’s debut as a writer (book, music and lyrics) whilst also starring as William.

The history of performers who believe their talents extend to songwriting is not unheard of. But what could have been a cautionary tale is instead a triumph in every sense. This is a show that has clearly been years in the making, crafted with care and with a deep understanding of what musical theatre can do.

Gage has handed the director’s chair to Paul Foster, which brings a fresh pair of eyes to shape something so personal and the result is a production that feels both intimate and epic.

Andrew Exeter’s set design is simple but effective, with a beautiful use of flowing water that threads through the piece. Matt Hockley’s lighting and Alistair Penman’s sound design together create a world that feels both period-authentic and emotionally raw.

If I were to have any question, it would be Martin Hanly’s costume design. Where the rest of the production commits fully to its 18th-century world, the costumes occasionally suggest a group of painter-decorators who have wandered in from an acid-wash 1980s nightclub.

The Cast

Daniel Krikler brings a quiet, brooding energy to Richard that is beautifully set against Gage’s William. Together they make the love story feel real.

Rebecca Lock is a revelation as ‘Mother’ a term we should perhaps adopt for her like we do Lady Gaga. Operatically voiced, funny and possessed of a theatrical authority that fills whatever room she’s in. Those who remember her from her Phantom of the Opera days will be delighted to hear those extraordinary vocals once again.

Jess Douglas-Welsh brings a sweet, clear-eyed innocence to Abigail. Adrian Hansel as Baber is given room to shine in the second act and takes full advantage of every moment. Melissa Jacques commands the stage as the Judge. And the wider ensemble Jade Johnson as the Landlady, Phoebe Kyriakopoulos as Esther, Joseph Peacock as Arthur, Steven Serlin as Officer and Felix complete a phenomenal company.

The Verdict

Redcliffe is a show about a love story that history tried to erase. The fact that Jordan Luke Gage decided their story deserved to be sung and to do it with such love and care is extraordinary.

Sometimes, digging up history can be a good thing and this is certainly one of those moments. Go and see it. Take someone you love.

★★★★★

Reviewed by West End Wilma
Photography by Pamela Raith

Redcliffe plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 4 July 2026.