Music & Lyrics: Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal
Director: Joshua Bergasse
World’s Greatest Lover takes the familiar formula of the pop-concept musical and gives it a playful twist, blending the swagger of a boyband concert with the satire of a historical mash-up. Four legendary figures of romance – Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade – are summoned to a mysterious meeting, each convinced he is the one true “greatest lover.” What follows is a gleeful contest of ego, wit and song, as the quartet vie for the crown and gradually come face to face with the flaws in their own ideas of love.
The set-up may be knowingly tongue-in-cheek, but it’s executed with confidence. Director and choreographer Joshua Bergasse ensures the action never lingers on one character, keeping the pace brisk and the transitions clean. The narrative framework is predictable at times, but the mix of group banter, a solo song and interludes Westlife or Boyzone would be proud of, is tightly structured and rarely dull.
The music, book and lyrics by award-winners Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal are polished and catchy, leaning into boyband pastiche while still offering moments of theatrical flair. While a few numbers blend together stylistically, the overall score is buoyant if unmemorable, with strong harmonies that land well in Pleasance One. The live three-piece band adds texture and the sound design makes the most of a notoriously difficult space.
The real highlight, though, is the cast. Rickens Anantua, Jordon Bolden, Daniel Dipinto, Sam Hyre and William Ingram are uniformly excellent, delivering powerhouse vocals and diving head-first into the knowingly cheesy choreography with admirable energy. They all have good comic timing and can also find genuine moments of charm between the bravado.
Yes, the show wears its influences – particularly SIX – on its sleeve, and some choreography veers close to tribute act pastiche. But the energy, talent and sheer commitment of the company make World’s Greatest Lover feel less like imitation and more like affectionate parody with its own playful heart.
Fun, high-octane and knowingly silly, World’s Greatest Lover delivers exactly what it promises: a sharply produced pop-musical boyband style romp that leaves audiences on a high.
Runs until 24th August 2025
