LondonMusicalReview

The Devil Wears Prada – Dominion Theatre, London

Reviewer: Sonny Waheed

Music: Elton John

Lyrics: Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick

Book: Kate Wetherhead

Director: Jerry Mitchell

Pick up any motivational book, and you’ll find countless quotes about the challenging road to success. Yet, even by those standards, The Devil Wears Prada musical has taken an exceptionally tortured journey to the stage. What began as a 2013 project has weathered multiple iterations, delays, and creative overhauls—a narrative almost as dramatic as the story itself.

Originally green-lit when Broadway producer Kevin McCollum secured the musical rights, the production has been a study in persistence. From an initial 2017 announcement featuring Elton John and Shaina Taub through industry presentations, a truncated Chicago run, and subsequent reworkings, the musical has been continuously refined. Its most recent UK premiere in Plymouth and subsequent West End transfer at the Dominion Theatre represent yet another chapter in this evolving production.

On paper, this show reads like a guaranteed triumph. The creative pedigree is impeccable—a team that has crafted some of modern musical theatre’s most successful productions. The source material is a proven crowd-pleaser, blending mordacious comedy, drama, romance, and self-actualisation into a narrative beloved by millions worldwide.

The production delivers both expected delights and unexpected challenges. The story remains faithful to the film, retaining those now-iconic phrases that made the original so memorable. Elton John’s music is largely excellent, with several standout tracks that breathe musical life into the narrative. The lyrical content effectively drives the story, maintaining a delicate balance between drama, emotion, and comedy.

Visually, the show is a triumph. The set design is a creative marvel, effortlessly transforming from a postmodern minimalist New York to a luscious, decadent Paris. Gregg Barnes’ costumes are pitch-perfect, capturing the cutting-edge fashion world with remarkable precision.

The performances are a mixed bag. Vanessa Williams brings solidity to Miranda Priestly, though she lacks the character’s full authoritative punch. Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo shine as Miranda’s assistants, but it’s Matt Henry’s Nigel who truly steals the show. His slightly camp, flamboyant performance provides a wonderful sense of sanity amidst the Runway magazine chaos.

Yet, for all its strengths, the musical falls short of greatness. Jerry Mitchell’s direction lacks drive, meandering where it should be focused. The choreography often feels generic—simple dance moves and “pointy action” that evoke a high school production more than a West End spectacle.

The Dominion Theatre’s vast auditorium compounds these issues. The massive space strips away theatrical intimacy, making the music feel oddly flat. Despite the volume, songs seem to lose steam before reaching the audience, and vocal performances—while technically decent—struggle to articulate lyrics clearly.

It’s a frustrating near-miss. The Devil Wears Prada has all the makings of a classic musical but hasn’t quite nailed the execution. The story is engaging, the songs are good (with a few truly great numbers), and the visual aesthetic is stunning. Yet something intangible is missing.

The ongoing previews and revisions suggest the creative team remains committed to refining the production. Whether the version currently showcased will be the final iteration remains to be seen. For now, it’s a musical worth seeing—just don’t expect to be completely swept off your feet.

Prepare to enjoy rather than love, to appreciate rather than adore. The devil, as they say, is in the details.

Runs until 31 May 2025

The Reviews Hub Score

Blue… not cerulean.

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The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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