Review – Beetlejuice the Musical – Prince Edward Theatre, London

It’s safe to say I’ve been pining for Beetlejuice the Musical for some time now. In fact, if you’ve heard any of my show here on Box Office Radio, you’ll know that I’ve said his name way more than three times! Based on source material that started out as a movie, then moved into a cartoon, toy line and video game franchise – Beetlejuice the Musical is a chaotic and zany production, full of laughs, bedlam and mayhem.

Delivered at a hundred miles an hour, the show is captained perfectly by David Fynn as Beetlejuice – whom I remember seeing in “School Of Rock” and thinking “he’d make a terrific ghost with the most!”. The show has been seamlessly updated for a U.K. audience, with lots of fun jokes thrown in that the crowd lapped up. I won’t spoil any here,  but trust me when I say it’s hilarious. There are also a few Easter Eggs that fans of the movie will love.

The vibes start as soon as you enter the theatre with a great selection of merchandise – though I would have loved a BJ plushie, the sand worm is pretty adorable. The pre-show music and lights are the perfect appetiser to the “show about death” – though I should mention it could be a trigger for anyone who suffers with bright flashing lights – same goes for the actual production as there are a lot of strobe effects during the show. It’s probably wise to keep in mind that it’s also based on a film that was rated R, and definitely keeps in that wheelhouse with lots of delicious adult jokes and language to boot.

Hannah Nordberg makes her West End debut as Lydia Deetz and you’d never be able to tell it’s her first time on the West End stage. She’s the perfect Lydia, and her heart wrenching performances of “Dead Mom” and “Home” are simply beautiful. Chelsea Halfpenny and David Hunter feature as Barbara and Adam Maitland, and they are hilarious. A different energy to their movie counterparts, but simply perfect in this show.

Aimie Atkinson is delightfully dreadful as the stepmother we all love to hate with Alasdair Harvey working hard as the complicated papa, Charles. Special mention should also go to Vanessa Aurora Sierra who lights up the stage with her performance as Miss Argentina – and her costume is a perfect wink to the film.

As someone who’s listened to the Broadway cast recording a “few” times I’m delighted to say the band is fantastic and the in house sound music is crisp and clear. Stand out songs include the powerhouse “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing”, the aforementioned “Dead Mom”, “That Beautiful Sound” and “Jump In The Line” feeling like a party we’re all invited to. The sets are pretty phenomenal – I wasn’t sure what to expect on that front, having only seen photos of the original Broadway run. I’m told the UK sets are a smaller version, but it has no impact on the enjoyability of the show.

The lighting and modern projection effects are a delightful addition to the performances as are the few moments of stage magic including at least one “How did they…” moment. Chef’s kiss. I was always destined to love this show – but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much! It now sits firmly in my Top Five Favourite Musicals and I can’t wait to see it again before its limited haunt ends!

Beetlejuice The Musical gets five screams out of five from me! A must-see. Don’t go to The Netherworld – go to the Prince Edward Theatre!

*****  Five Stars