“I said to myself, go ahead. Take a chance. Hire the smart, fat girl”.
Let’s cut to the chase. This musical is amazing.
On the night that we went along, pretty much everyone in the audience finished the show on their feet, singing and dancing before leaving the theatre feeling genuinely euphoric – which is generally a good sign.
Currently showing in the West End’s Dominion Theatre, this musical version of The Devil Wears Prada film actually originally premiered in Chicago in the summer of 2022, but the reviews were Miranda Priestly-level harsh. Phrases like “every song is lousy” and “alarmingly un-fun” were involved. So the team licked their wounds, cleared their heads and took the whole thing back to square one for a complete rejig. And what a rejig it’s been (as we, at the very least, think it’s brilliant).
It’s basically everything you want from a West End Musical – an engaging storyline, brilliant songs, a talented and energetic cast, a great set, and all of the most iconic moments from the film.
“I’m sorry, do you have some prior commitment? Some hideous skirt convention you have to go to?”
While it certainly doesn’t hurt that the cast are all sooo ridiculously good looking – and while Miranda Priestly (played by Vanessa Williams) and Andy (played by Georgie Buckland) are both brilliant – it was Miranda’s relentlessly driven, fashion-obsessed first assistant Emily (played by Amy Di Bartolomeo) who stole the show for us, with her unrivalled outfits, witty quips and stunning voice.
But the other winner of the night is, of course, Fashion itself – thanks to pieces from Versace, Dior, Tom Ford, Vivienne Westwood, McQueen and more. The show reaches its crescendo with two iconic fashion moments – The Ball and Paris Fashion week – both of which kick off with the show’s glamorous ensemble of models strutting down the aisles of the Dominion theatre dressed in incredible, jewel-encrusted ball gowns reminiscent of the iconic The Met Gala.
With a score written by Elton John (who’s apparently a massive Devil Wears Prada fan, himself) and lyrics by Tony award-winner Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick (who combine to provide genuine lyrical depth, bringing each of the character’s individual stories to life), this show is a veritable cracker.
Get tickets while you can!
NOTE: The Devil Wears Prada, The Musical is now on at the Dominion Theatre. Tickets start at £20.
The Devil Wears Prada, The Musical | Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Ct Rd, W1T 7AQ
Like song-filled stage shows? Well, here are the best musicals in the city.