Find out what critics have had to say about this new musical adapted from the film.
The Guardian: **** “Through it all, Sievewright is a star in the most unstarry way. Quite brilliantly, she captures Rose-Lynn’s charm and streetwise patter as well as her defensiveness and fear. Scarcely off the stage, she retains an air of modesty even while singing, gloriously, without fanfare or histrionics. As with the film, the ending does not quite deliver the feelgood bounce you crave – but, fronting a joyful ensemble, Sievewright’s aim is true.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “Director John Tiffany’s production quite literally puts that music centre stage by having the (terrific) eight-piece band onstage for the whole evening, and their flow drives the singers, projecting the emotional energy into the audience with a punch. Most of the songs are country classics, and they’re performed with pizzazz by a cast that has no weak link.”
Lisa in the Theatre: ***** “It may be “a new musical” but Wild Rose is already the full package. The music is sensational and should appeal, not just to musical theatre fans or to country music fans, but to everyone who appreciates a good tune. There’s a super strong cast and a genuinely captivating storyline anchoring their performances. There’s comedy, drama, heartbreak and line dancing!”
All Edinburgh Theatre.com: ***** “Yes, there are stage adaptations of films that are cynical cash-ins, which is part of the reason so many people don’t like musicals. This is emphatically not one of those. And it would be understandable to be turned off by any show that advertises itself as ‘uplifting’ – but uplifting (as well as melodic, funny, messy and raucous) is exactly what Wild Rose is.”
British Theatre Guide: “While this is essentially the story of a woman coming to terms with growing up and discovering responsibility, there’s a sense that the overall message is a little confused. Which certainly fits the musical version of this far better than the cinematic original. The slight magical realism that the musical form lends the piece solves myriad problems, letting the audience slide into comfortable enjoyment rather than picking faults.”
Must See Theatre.com: **** “Dominated by a gigantic digital screen and Lewis den Hertog’s colourful, eye-catching video design, Chloe Lamford’s set combined with Jessica Hung Han Yun’s lighting is gorgeous to behold and although John Tiffany’s direction would benefit from being a tad tighter, there’s little doubt that Wild Rose is a musical destined for great things. Indeed, you could well imagine it turning up on London’s West End at some point in the future – it certainly wouldn’t be out of place.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “The songs support the developing plot and characters. Duff’s rendition of ‘Peace In This House’ is heart-rending; Sievewright’s ‘Tacoma’ all but stops the show, from the acoustic stripped-back opening that builds in complexity and passion, and we all fall in love once more with that voice. Stunning.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “This production is fun, heartwarming and wildly passionate. The entire team should be immensely proud of what they have brought to the Scottish stage. There is so much to love – an easy five-star.”
The Stage: **** “John Tiffany directs a stirring country-music jukebox musical based on the popular Scottish 2018 film.”
Edinburgh Guide.com: **** “Centre stage throughout is the effervescent Dawn Sievewright whose powerful, passionate performance packs an emotional punch. A musical theatre star is born. Wild Rose is about realising that to find your own dream you first have to find your own voice, as she follows the yellow brick road from Glasgow to Nashville and back to Scotland again.”
Scottish Stage: “Impressively successful in every department, this new musical has “hit” written all over it. Tiffany has, I suspect, pulled off another feat of theatrical alchemy.”
North West End.com: *** “Choreographers Steven Hogget and Vicki Manderson kept it simple, with standard line dancing numbers, perfectly in keeping with the genre.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “The score for Wild Rose is beautiful, with songs penned by country legends including Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood and The Chicks. The film’s award-winning original song Glasgow (No Place Like Home) is also featured, and is a complete showstopper. Sievewright is a vocal powerhouse, taking this magnificent score in her stride and delivering some of the most heartfelt performances I’ve heard in years. I sincerely hope that a cast recording could be on its way.”
Broadway Baby: **** “Under the meticulous direction of John Tiffany, transitions are seamless and Chloe Lamford’s set design is simple and functional. Who doesn’t love a breakfast bar that doubles up as a stage to dance on? All the best parties happen in the kitchen after all…”
Wild Rose continues to play at the Royal Lyceum Theatre until the 19th April.