We round up the reviews for the new musical based on the film starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler.
WhatsOnStage: **** “Rossmer and Rosen again provide a propulsive, catchy pop score that rocks, possessing a certain quirky eccentricity and tender lyricism that frequently surprises. It’s very funny but turns on a dime, so you suddenly find yourself reaching for the Kleenex, such as in the gorgeous, weepy choral number where Henry gets the entire community to create a video message to reassure their beloved Lucy.”
The Guardian: ***Lucy and Henry’s backstories are also clearer, his parents’ unhappy marriage explaining his fear of commitment and her mother’s death adding clearer fragility to her family. But it’s not just the diner’s waffles that come with syrup as the lyrics can be cloying. Much more effective are the comic songs in Casey Nicholaw’s production, like the ode to Key Largo performed by high-kicking dancers with fishing rods instead of canes. They are a sunny ensemble for a musical that, despite its sandy setting, remains firmly in the middle of the road.”
The iPaper: **** “50 First Dates: the Musical is genuinely funny and often heart-warming. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is the sort of story that would flail as a musical.”
Radio Times: **** “If you’re after charm, wittiness and charisma, 50 First Dates could just be the musical for you.”
Time Out: *** “Crucially, St Clair and Castle have good chemistry together and they’re winningly wholesome – he never tries any sleazy tricks on her, he just falls for her instantly, and while it’s obviously farfetched, it’s also relaxed and intimate and ultimately just about two nice people who you want things to work out for.”
Theatre & Tonic: *** “Overall, while the production does contain emotions that audiences can connect with, the pacing feels a bit rushed, as if a string of content has been crammed into a 1 hour and 40 minute runtime, missing out on many opportunities to add depth and authenticity. That’s not to say there aren’t merits to this work, but it’s a bit of a pity. With such a great film as its foundation, and a bit more refinement, it could have become a much more emotionally resonant story.”
All That Dazzles: *** “Whether you love the film or can’t remember it at all, there is something for everyone to fall in love with at 50 First Dates. It’s not as strong as it could be, but all the right elements are there – it’s just in need of a bit of fine-tuning to really make audiences swoon.”
The Upcoming: *** “While acknowledging the main cast, a shoutout must be given to the ensemble, who dance and sing their hearts out in every song. The pacing of the production is also immaculate, with the song Happy Sunday acting as a montage of Henry reliving each day, trying to get Lucy to remember him. Somehow, the key parts of the film are all neatly wrapped up in a one-hour and 40-minute package.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: ** “The score is awkward, with desperately unimaginative lyrics and the production’s leads are unfairly being asked to carry too much responsibility to paper over the many obvious cracks.”
London Theatre 1: **** “It’s not exactly deep and intense, even if it does tug at the heartstrings rather more than one might expect on first viewing. The idea that someone goes on ’50 first dates’ with someone because they have short-term memory loss called to mind Groundhog Day, but with Henry determined to shake things up and change the routines, much to the chagrin of Lucy’s father Marlin (John Marquez) and brother Doug (Charlie Toland), it was remarkably easy to maintain interest throughout. A fun, lively and enthusiastic production.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “50 First Dates: The Musical is a heartfelt, funny and surprisingly moving adaptation that proves some stories are worth reliving again and again. This is a beautifully told love story that hits all the right notes.”
Musical Theatre Review: *** “The plot is riddled with holes and the medical logic is dubious at best, but this is hardly the point. The aim is clearly to provide warm, lighthearted escapism, and on that front Casey Nicholaw’s production succeeds. Still, it falls short of being truly distinctive or enduring. 50 First Dates is enjoyable and easy to watch, but unlikely to leave you longing to see it again.”
West End Best Friend: **** “This show breathes new light, laughter and love into a rom-com classic. If you are looking for a feel-good love story backed with a bit of emotional bite, this is the perfect show for you.”
The Arts Desk: *** “Date movie about repeating dates inspires date musical.”
The Stage: **** “Musical adaptation of the hit romcom film is fresh, funny and easy to fall in love with.”
The Independent: ** “The trend of putting films from 20 years ago on stage and throwing in some songs continues – but there’s only so far the nostalgia factor can carry an audience.”
50 First Dates continues to play at The Other Palace until the 16th November.