The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Review by Sam
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fresh from its acclaimed run at the Southwark Playhouse, the new musical based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story makes its long-awaited West End transfer.
Telling the unordinary story of a man who ages in reverse, the show documents his magical life with pulsating folk music and awe-inspiring performances. Jethro Compton has expertly directed, written and designed a flawless production, which perfectly pairs source material with cast. I was instantly hooked and drawn into the Cornish coast through Darren Clark’s spectacular score, Zoe Spurr’s magnifying lighting and Chi-San Howard’s inspired choreography, all performed by a multi-talented cast.
The ensemble are the beating heart of this show, with diverse actor-musicians bringing the electrifying story to life. The “Chain of Events” sequences were particularly striking, with the cast portraying multiple characters whilst playing pulse racing melodies, perfectly laying the foundations for each chapter in Benjamin’s life. They act as a supporting entity, collectively elevating the book and central performances to enthralling heights.
John Dagleish and Clare Foster both lead and mesmerise with magical chemistry, as they deliver the theatrical performance of the year. Foster dominates the second act with a raw performance that showcases the incredible depth of her talent. In any other creative hands this show may have failed, but Dagleish successfully depicts the ageing of Benjamin with utter grace through powerful direction, seamlessly changing mannerisms and characterisation progressively to de-age over the course of the show.
I’ve never jumped to my feet so quickly to give a production the standing ovation that it rightfully deserves. The show is a sure contender to win many awards, as each and every performer pours their hearts and souls out to deliver one of the most inspired and powerful pieces of theatre I’ve seen all year. Much like Benjamin himself I can only see this show getting better with age and I can’t wait to return to The Pickled Crab to experience the magic all over again.