50 First Dates: The Musical West End Reviews

This musical of 50 First Dates tones down a lot of the crude humour found in the film, and produces a very safe piece of entertainment. It's an accomplished work on the whole which should attract fans of the rom-com genre or feel-good musicals in gen...

This musical of 50 First Dates tones down a lot of the crude humour found in the film, and produces a very safe piece of entertainment. It's an accomplished work on the whole which should attract fans of the rom-com genre or feel-good musicals in general.

But while the Curious Case musical dug deep into the mysteries of time, 50 First Dates is more confined by its concept and never packs enough emotional punch. That’s partly because the book by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen can be bland and their so...

But while the Curious Case musical dug deep into the mysteries of time, 50 First Dates is more confined by its concept and never packs enough emotional punch. That’s partly because the book by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen can be bland and their songs breezily enjoyable, without a heart-wrenching number that does justice to the pain at the story’s centre. Nevertheless, there are two genial leads with fine voices: Georgina Castle lights up the stage as always and Josh St Clair convincingly handles Henry’s switch from obnoxious playboy to caring partner.

Overall, while the production does contain emotions that audiences can connect with, the pacing feels a bit rushed, as if a string of content has been crammed into a 1 hour and 40 minute runtime, missing out on many opportunities to add depth and aut...

Overall, while the production does contain emotions that audiences can connect with, the pacing feels a bit rushed, as if a string of content has been crammed into a 1 hour and 40 minute runtime, missing out on many opportunities to add depth and authenticity. That’s not to say there aren’t merits to this work, but it’s a bit of a pity. With such a great film as its foundation, and a bit more refinement, it could have become a much more emotionally resonant story.

Perfectly weaved throughout the musical is the love each and every character has for one another, whether it be romantic or platonic, or sometimes misconstrued when it comes to Henry's manager, Delilah, played hilariously by Natasha O'Brien (Mamma Mi...

Perfectly weaved throughout the musical is the love each and every character has for one another, whether it be romantic or platonic, or sometimes misconstrued when it comes to Henry's manager, Delilah, played hilariously by Natasha O'Brien (Mamma Mia!). The Other Palace makes the perfect location for 50 First Dates, with the staging and projections adding to the warm and cosy feeling the story omits.