Mandela London Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (17)
See it if You want a refreshing take on Nelson Mandela in a musical format.
Don't see it if You struggle with accents, they are very strong here
See it if you love historical emotional brilliance
Don't see it if you want Happy endings
See it if you're interested in Mandela's family story
Don't see it if you expect it to be focussed on the political issues.
See it if you want to see some of the fantastic actors on stage.
Don't see it if you expect something brimming with African rhythm and emotion.
See it if you are interested in learning more about the Mandela family through some powerful music and rousing choreography.
Don't see it if you want a coherent plot to follow with clear character relationships and deeper political relevance.
See it if Poor Nelson, the great man not served well with this trite score.
Don't see it if Poor songs and a bad book.
See it if You like musicals with grit and heart
Don't see it if Nothing, go and see it!!
See it if you want a refresh on Mandela's story, love hearing great voices
Don't see it if the show lacks a little depth, the opening feels like a copy of the Lion King. The second half is better than the first
Critic Reviews (8)
"This musical biopic of South Africa’s great unifying leader is a storming celebration of the human spirit and the human voice. ... The entire cast are in full, roaring voice it’s overwhelming."
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" 'Mandela' had a fascinating and inspirational life, but the musical that bears his name frequently seems barely interested in it. ... it’s a singularly inadequate tribute to one of the great humans of our time."
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"The central performances are as strong as they can be given the material, and both Fiamanya and Luwoye’s voices brim with power, as do those of the chorus."
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"Luwoye strikes dignified poses but this visionary is just about as inscrutable as a face on a banknote."
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"It's an enjoyable evening, full of good performances, and an emotional reminder of what a deeply held belief in people's capacity for change and forgiveness can achieve."
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"There’s no denying the commitment to a ceaselessly important cause that courses through 'Mandela,' but the show in its present form aims to soar only to feel artistically stillborn."
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"As a piece of work, this musical falls short of doing justice to its subject. But it’s worth seeing for the sheer, galvanising passion of the performances."
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" We get a troublingly two-dimensional sketch of an otherwise complex history, both collective and personal. This rich material surely deserved a more grounded and compelling treatment on stage."
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