A Strange Loop (Barbican) London Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (209)
See it if ...you like musicals that tackle serious subject matter with humor; this show would appeal to fans of Sondheim, JRB, Tesori, et al.
Don't see it if ...you're a "42nd St."-type of musicals person. If you're looking for "entertainment" in that sense, this isn't the show for you. Read more
See it if you want to see a masterpiece
Don't see it if you want something easy and clean, it's not perfect but it's very close
See it if You like good musicals
Don't see it if No reason not to see it
See it if You like humour inc dark humour
Don't see it if You are offended by the N word and C word and swearing in general
See it if you want to see something provocative and current, with non-traditional storytelling and complex themes
Don't see it if you're looking for something light-hearted
See it if You want to see a challenging new musical which pushes boundaries.
Don't see it if You're not a fan of risque shows and language
See it if you want to see a new and refreshing narrative with brilliant acting that resonates with you weeks later
Don't see it if you are triggered by any of the sensitive topics it covers
See it if If you want to learn something new. I loved the show and the new point of view that it gave me. Funny and Harsh at the same time, loved it!
Don't see it if If you are not comfortable with any of the trigger warnings or you want to stick to what you know. I think this needs to be seen.
Critic Reviews (14)
" ‘A Strange Loop’ is different. It is an extremely Black, extremely queer, extremely horny, extremely New York show that is, to boot, extremely weird: a meta-musical about a theatre usher called Usher’s attempt to write a meta-musical about a theatre usher called Usher. "
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"It ends with a non-ending, breaking the rules of storytelling but without any sense of jarring or gimmickry. These circles within circles could just continue, we feel, after the curtain falls. A strange loop indeed."
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“What makes ’A Strange Loop’ so compelling... what cuts under its whirling cleverness, is the way it makes Usher’s suffering so intense. As it digs, it unlocks true sadness and alienation, so that the relative calm of the ending is almost a relief. It’s original and old-fashioned all at once.”
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"Oddly for such a knowing, meta show, it really does fulfil Usher’s desire to show real life – to place you in his lived experience. The experimental zaniness, the candid content, and the taboo busting are all excitingly bold, but it’s that authenticity which ultimately makes the most impact."
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“So it’s an evening that goes round in circles. It knows that it is going around in circles. It tells you it is going round in circles. But finally I found this knowing sense of stasis more deadening than daring.”
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“It’s an impressive, emotionally punchy spectacle. But once I’d rubbed the dazzle from my eyes, I couldn’t help feeling that, for all its self-referential intricacy and Jackson’s obvious, stunning talent, the show needs another level, and a wider context. Usher’s story deserves a second act.”
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This is a new musical that’s practically perfect, and made even more so by a breathtaking central performance from Kyle Ramar Freeman, who reprises the role from Broadway. Freeman’s tender, soulful, and ultimately powerful portrayal of Usher is the must-see performance of this year.
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"Bold in its approach, it dares to break the mould and create something that may not always be the most comfortable of watches but is always captivating. For me personally, a couple of moments aside, I loved 'A Strange Loop' immeasurably...Whether you love it or hate it, you’re going to remember it – and that in itself makes it a success in my eyes."
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