We round up the reviews for the West End transfer of this immensely popular musical.
The Guardian: **** “Perhaps the winsomeness is occasionally overdone. But it’s impossible to be grudging about a production this warm, touching and vivacious, and Compton, who also directs, deserves to be feted as a worthy Son of St Piran.”
The Upcoming: **** “Ultimately, this reinvented Benjamin Button finds new life in the story by situating one man’s journey within a communal context. His story is shared and passed around amongst everyone onstage, until we feel no less a part of it ourselves. Those who surrender may leave with cheeks moistened and dispositions just that little bit rosier, which may mark a small theatrical miracle in itself.”
iNews: **** “an immensely warm-hearted and well-meaning show. If Operation Mincemeat can become a fixture in the West End, then so, without any doubt, can this.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** “Timeless and heart-burstingly magical, there’s no other current West End musical I’d rather be at.”
The Telegraph: ***** “Relocated to Cornwall, this lyrical adaptation of F Scott Fitgerald’s novella unlocks far greater meanings than David Fincher’s film managed.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “A show unlike any other, Benjamin Button doesn’t just deserve all of the stars it can get – it deserves the moon too. This may well be the best show in the West End at the moment and as beautiful as musical theatre gets. This really should be a must-see for everyone – my advice would be to get a ticket before time runs out.”
The Standard: **** “Forget the 2008 Brad Pitt film: this is the version to treasure.”
Theatre Vibe: “John Dagleish is absolutely brilliant in his characterisation of Benjamin Button creating such a sympathetic personality that we all warm to. He also has a magnificent singing voice often with a single instrument accompaniment.”
Time Out: **** “The fiery Foster and affable Dagleish make for a nice central couple – she’s full of carpe diem energy and he’s detached and passive, bemused at his own life; I think that works.”
The Reviews Hub: ***** “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of those shows which deserves more than the five stars available to give. Whether it finds the commercial success it undoubtedly deserves or simply continues to grow its existing cult reputation, this musical will be remembered as a highlight of London’s theatre history. Nobody in good faith can deny the intelligence, talent and beauty currently being showcased at the Ambassadors Theatre.”
Broadway World: ***** “If you think folk songs and sea shanties are unlikely to make a hit musical, prepare to be very pleasantly surprised. The show is jam-packed with top quality, empathetic and carefully crafted songs, from the loud and vibrant to delicate and moving ballads. The music pulls you into the immersive quality of the show, with such flow and fluidity that a rumoured cast recording is surely inevitable. If you liked Come From Away or Once, you will fall in love with this score.”
The Stage: **** “Jethro Compton’s folk musical adaptation is a cosy, cockles-warming treat.”
Mind the Blog: “Equal parts heart-breaking and life-affirming, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is going to be hard to beat when end-of-year round-ups start rolling in. And it’s the perfect show for any mood! Need a cry? Buy a ticket. Want a laugh? The box office is this way. So don’t wait until the tide comes in – set your course for the Ambassadors while you still have time.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “Darren Clark’s music is ethereal and heartfelt, capturing the magic and mystery of the show with every note. We also loved the genius of Zoe Spurr’s lighting design, elevating moments throughout the show, like when we are under water.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “Although this is very much an ensemble piece, with no weak link in its cast, the performances from John Dalgleish as Benjamin Button and Clare Foster as his one true love Elowen Keene are absolutely phenomenal. Both skillfully show the passage of time for their characters with just a change in posture, expression or tone. Dalgleish gives Benjamin a childlike innocence and optimism, longing to live a normal life and marvelling at the world and what it has to offer. He has fantastic chemistry with Foster, who goes from a rather goofy exuberance as the beautiful girl next door, to becoming a true soulmate and giving Benjamin the family and sense of home that he craves. Their courtship is charming, full of heart and even though you suspect it might not end well given their age difference (!), everybody is rooting for them and they feel like a perfect match, despite their most curious circumstances.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “What does it mean to be home or to belong? Ironically for a piece with such a strong sense of place, this soulful musical argues that both are to found in the people we love. That’s an idea which will never grow old.”
London Theatre 1: **** “A warm and engaging experience, there are no weak links to report in this worthy and impactful production.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: ***** “Jethro Compton has taken a fanciful but head-scratching concept and produced a decidedly moving and joyous piece of art that explores the importance of coming to terms with yourself, accepting love, and embracing adventure.”
The musical continues to play at the Ambassadors Theatre until the 15th February 2025. To book tickets click here.