Review – Rosie: A New Musical – Adelphi Theatre, London

London’s West End has long celebrated larger-than-life personalities like Rosie, who features in a new musical based on the true story of Rosie Boote. Presented as a semi-staged concert performance at the Adelphi Theatre, this new work already feels destined for a full theatrical run. Even in this pared-back format, Rosie proves utterly captivating — an evening of wit, warmth, and musical brilliance that leaves the audience cheering.

For those unfamiliar with the historical figure, Rosie Boote was a celebrated Victorian actress and music hall performer who unexpectedly became the Marchioness of Headfort after marrying an aristocrat in 1901. It’s a tale that seems almost too theatrical to be real, with a working-class stage star stepping into the aristocracy, and yet the creative team behind Rosie uses that unlikely journey to explore themes of identity, ambition, love, and belonging.

The semi-staged presentation cleverly embraces its format rather than feeling constrained by it. With minimal set, the focus remains squarely on the storytelling and the music. This allows the score, a lively blend of music hall sparkle, sweeping romantic ballads, and contemporary musical theatre, to take centre stage. Even without full choreography or elaborate staging, the songs burst with character and theatrical flair.

From the opening number, which hints at the bustle and brash energy of London’s turn-of-the-century theatre scene, the musical establishes a sense of time and place with remarkable clarity.  What truly elevates Rosie, however, is its emotional core. Rather than presenting a simple fairy-tale transformation, the musical examines the tension between two worlds, and Rosie’s struggle to reconcile her theatrical roots with the rigid expectations of high society gives the story some depth. Her determination, charisma, and refusal to lose her sense of self make her an instantly compelling protagonist.

Newcomer Lucy Thomas, portraying Rosie, carries the evening with effortless charm and powerhouse vocals, capturing both the character’s exuberance and the vulnerability of a woman navigating an unfamiliar social landscape. Her performance in two of the show’s tender ballads, “Starlight” and “Broken Dreams”, reveals an incredibly moving emotional range.

The supporting cast, including Will Callan as Geoffrey Taylour (Marquis of Headfort), Sally Ann Triplett as his mother, Lady Edith and Desmonda Cathabel as Lily Turner shine throughout and hint at the larger production the show could become. Even in concert form, there is a strong sense of theatrical momentum. The performers create vivid characters with just a few gestures or vocal inflections, a testament to both the writing and the performers’ skill.

Musically, the show feels rich and distinctive. The orchestration cleverly nods to Edwardian music hall traditions while maintaining the lush, cinematic sound audiences expect from modern musical theatre. Several numbers already feel like future audience favourites, and Chris Broom’s score carries the narrative forward well.

Perhaps most impressive is how complete the show already feels. Semi-staged concerts often function as developmental previews, but Rosie appears remarkably polished. The storytelling is clear, the characters are engaging, and the score is packed with theatrical potential. One could easily imagine the show expanding into a fully staged West End production with elaborate sets and choreography that further highlight its vibrant world.

By the final curtain call, the audience response is enthusiastic and heartfelt. It’s rare for a new musical to feel both historically rich and immediately accessible, but Rosie manages exactly that. It’s funny, moving, and gloriously theatrical.

If this semi-staged performance is any indication, Rosie is a musical with a very bright future ahead. London should be ready to welcome Rosie Boote back to the stage very soon.

****  Four Stars