Review: Rosie

17-03-25 The Adelphi Theatre by Irene Christodoulou

There are shows you admire, and then there are shows that completely disarm you. Rosie the Musical is firmly the latter. Following more than a decade in development, this one-night-only, semi-staged gala performance at the Adelphi Theatre arrives with expectation baked in. What’s remarkable is how effortlessly it exceeds it.

From the opening moments, it is clear that this is a story told with conviction. Based on the true life of Miss Rosie Boote, raised in a convent in Ireland before pursuing a dream of the West End stage, the musical balances intimacy with theatrical sweep. It feels deeply personal yet instantly relatable, charting ambition, identity and resilience with clarity and emotional precision.

At the centre of it all is Lucy Thomas in the title role, delivering a performance of remarkable poise and sincerity. There is an authenticity to her portrayal that anchors the entire production. She captures Rosie’s vulnerability and determination in equal measure, ensuring that every triumph and setback lands with genuine emotional weight.

The supporting company is equally strong, creating a richly textured world around her. Will Callan brings presence and nuance as Geoffrey Taylour, while Desmonda Cathabel’s Lily Turner adds both warmth and complexity. Madalena Alberto lends gravitas as Annie Boote, and Charles Brunton’s Lord Harrington is sharply defined. Across the ensemble, there is a clear sense of cohesion, with every performer contributing meaningfully to the storytelling.

Particular mention must go to Sally Ann Triplett as Lady Edith and Dylan Wood as Stanley Roberts, both of whom bring precision and character detail to their roles. The wider company, including Rebecca Gilliland, Gavin James, Connor Carson and Alexander Evans, ensures the stage always feels alive, even within the semi-staged format. Young performers Santi Cohen and Lois Haidar also impress, adding emotional depth to Rosie’s early journey.

What elevates Rosie further is its score. With original concept, book, music and lyrics by Chris Broom, this is a musical that understands exactly how to use song as narrative. Each number feels purposeful, moving the story forward while revealing character and theme. Songs such as Starlight, Suddenly and Broken Dreams, already familiar from the studio cast album, land with even greater impact in a live setting.

Vocally, the standard is exceptional throughout. The singing is not just technically impressive but emotionally driven, with performances that feel rooted in character rather than showmanship. Under the musical direction of Yshani Perinpanayagam, the orchestration supports this beautifully, adding richness without overwhelming the performers. Even in a semi-staged context, the musical landscape feels full and immersive.

Direction and choreography by Cressida Carré are equally assured. There is a confidence in the staging that allows the story to breathe, never overcomplicating what is already compelling material. The movement is fluid and purposeful, complementing the narrative without distracting from it. Design elements, including Steve Howell’s set and Jamie Platt’s lighting, enhance the storytelling with clarity and elegance.

What is perhaps most striking about Rosie the Musical is its balance. The writing, performances and music all operate at the same high level, something that is far from guaranteed in new musical theatre. There is no single element carrying the production. Instead, everything works in harmony to create a cohesive and deeply satisfying theatrical experience.

By the final moments, the emotional payoff feels entirely earned. This is a story that invites you in gently and holds you there, building to a conclusion that resonates long after the curtain call. It is both uplifting and grounded, celebrating ambition while acknowledging the cost that can come with it.

For a musical that has taken years to reach the stage, the result feels assured, polished and ready. Rosie the Musical is not just a promising new work, it is a fully realised piece of theatre that deserves a life far beyond a single gala performance.

It is rare to encounter a production where the writing, acting and music align so completely. Rosie achieves exactly that.

This is one not to miss.

★★★★★

Get tickets from the official site HERE