Dear Evan Hansen [UK Tour]
Review by Jude
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stopping at New Wimbledon Theatre, this UK tour offers a chance to explore the moral dilemma of is Evan a bad person or a good person who did a bad thing, in a striking non-replica production.
The musical follows Evan Hansen, a lonely teenager struggling to find his place in the world. When a tragic event presents an unexpected opportunity, Evan becomes entangled in a web of lies that grants him the love and connection he’s been longing for. But as his lies spiral out of control, the consequences become unavoidable — forcing Evan to confront the devastating impact of his choices.
Ryan Kopel shines with charming vulnerability in the title role, offering a raw, nuanced, and gut-wrenching portrayal of this morally complex teenager. His interpretation makes it nearly impossible to look away, with every movement infused with intention and care. Musical highlights include the emotionally charged ‘Waving Through a Window,’ the powerful ‘You Will Be Found,’ and the heart-wrenching ‘Words Fail.’
Lauren Conroy enchants as Zoe Murphy, her beautiful voice adding emotional depth that perfectly complements her character’s complexity and response to grief. Tom Dickerson delivers a standout performance as Jared, Evan’s quick-witted and sarcastic family friend, injecting energy and humour into a show that grapples with such heavy themes. Killian Thomas Lefevre captivates as the troubled Connor, delivering a layered performance that makes every moment he’s on stage a joy to watch, leaving a haunting presence long after.
The set and video design by Morgan Large and Ravi Deepres deserves praise as well. Stripped back and minimalistic, its dynamic quality keeps the production visually engaging while ensuring that the characters remain the focal point of the story.
Whether you're a long-time fan or experiencing Dear Evan Hansen for the first time, this tour offers a deeper understanding of why this broken boy makes the choices he does — decisions born from good intentions but ultimately tangled in deception. A must-see for those eager to explore the complexity of human nature.