Dominion Theatre, London – until 31 May 2025
Reviewed by Emily Smith
5*****
Based on the 2006 film of the same name The Devil Wears Prada has now been brought to life in London’s West End at the Dominion Theatre, and fans of the film won’t be disappointed! The musical adaptation has kept the majority of the film’s plot, including the classic sarcastic remarks and dry humour, but it is the staging, costumes and talented cast that make this show come to life on the stage.
Everything about the show has been carefully crafted to be as quintessentially ‘fashion’ as possible. From entering the Dominion and seeing beautiful gowns and RUNWAY in big red lights, to the spotlights that surround the stage, this feels like an exclusive fashion show that you’re lucky to have got a ticket to! The background music before the show starts, typical of a runway show, build the excitement and anticipation.
The Dominion is one of the largest theatres in London’s West End and Tim Hatley’s scenic design certainly fills the space, assisted by Bruno Poet’s lighting design. The back of the stage is set to the iconic New York skyline, which turns from day to night, and is supplemented by moving set pieces including Andy and Nate’s apartment, the offices of Runway and the truly spectacular closet at Runway during the infamous make-over scene. When the story takes us to Paris, a dazzling Eiffel tower replaces the New York skyline. Other standout moments include the red carpet and stairs at the Met Gala (alongside the dazzling costumes), and the James Holt runway show in Act 2 where the audience are made to feel part of the action. This is achieved with the flashes of the paparazzi in the audience’s direction, and the use of the aisles as an extension of the runway.
Gregg Barnes’s costume design, which includes pieces from famous fashion brands such as Prada, Tom Ford and Dior, fits the brief with all the cast looking like they just walked straight out of the Runway offices in the mid-00s. The costumes felt authentic to the plot – from the day-to-day work wear at the Runway office, to the stunning red carpet dresses at the Met Gala, to the Paris fashion week outfits in the colours of the French flag.
With music by Elton John, and lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, the songs fit the story well, though none are stand-out numbers that you may expect from a big musical such as this. There’s no Defying Gravity moment; instead, the songs compliment the narrative, bringing emotion – such as in Seen, humour – such as in Bon Voyage, and feel-good show tunes – such as in Dress Your Way Up. The music is quintessentially Elton John with his influence apparent in numbers such as I Only Love You For Your Body, and it is clear throughout that he has taken inspiration not only from his own music career, but also from other classic bands such as Abba. The songs are catchy, fun, and showcase the talent of the cast onstage. This is complimented by Gareth Owen’s sound design which fills the Dominion.
Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell delivers a fantastic show, with clean and precise choreography that is aligned to the fashion industry. From the clever use of sliding carpets to the ability of the cast to deliver the choreography while wearing Runway-worthy heels, there is skill everywhere. While most of the show is true to the film, one or two jokes have been added, and a sub-plot gives Emily her own romance and happy ending, helping the stage production to feel more complete.
This show is really brought to life by the cast and the large ensemble. Vanessa Williams delivers the classic Miranda Priestly lines with a dead-pan intensity that we expect from the character. While there are one or two moments where her vocal talents are highlighted, it felt that the majority of her songs were spoken rather than sung. While this worked for the production, it is Matt Henry (Nigel), Georgie Buckland (Andy) and Amy Di Bartolomeo (Emily) that stole the show with their vocal talents.
Matt Henry, who plays Nigel, delivered a fantastic performance, including his poignant and moving rendition of Seen, which is reminiscent of his Olivier-award winning performance of Not My Father’s Son in Kinky Boots. Equally, the catchy Dress Your Way Up could be paralleled to other numbers from Kinky Boots which may explain why he felt so at home playing this character. As a big fan of Matt Henry for many years, I was thrilled to see him back on stage delivering a performance that gave me goosebumps!
Georgie Buckland makes her West End debut as Andy and what a debut it is! Arguably the main character with the most challenging vocals, Buckland delivers a standout performance including the brilliant Who’s She?
Meanwhile, Amy Di Bartolomeo is a phenomenal Emily! From the moment she walks on stage at the start of the show to remind the audience to turn off their phones, she absolutely embodies the character. Her performance was funny, charming and utterly captivating, and she expertly delivers vocals, in particular the catchy and humorous Bon Voyage. She even has the opportunity to show her operatic range!
Both Rhys Whitfield (Nate) and James Darch (Christian) deliver great performances. The large ensemble bring together this production with great choreography (avoiding the spotlights built into the stage!) and vocals.
For me, The Devil Wears Prada is a classic film, it’s funny, it’s an easy-watch and it captures a moment in time for the fashion industry in the 00s. The musical adaptation retains the charm of the film with the added pzazz of a West End show that is glitzy and glamorous, delivered by a hugely talented cast. While the songs are usually the stand-out part of a show, for me, the magic of this musical is in the staging and costumes. There are moments that will have you saying ‘wow’ or leave you in awe, and the music compliments this, without detracting, which for a show that is all about fashion, feels appropriate!