See it if you want a beautifully crafted new musical. The folk music really did it for me, helping to narrate and give life to this tale.
Don't see it if you dislike the notion of actor-musicians and folk music, it's also quite long but I found it gripping enough not to mind. Read more
See it if you're a fan of the movie and curious how this translate to the stage. It was surprising entertaining with all actors playing instruments.
Don't see it if if you didn't like the movie or have no interest in seeing a character age backward.
See it if You don’t want to be challenged too much and you feel like getting a big hug
Don't see it if LGBT stories set in American High Schools is your goto musical aesthetic Read more
See it if You want a beautiful tragic love story set to a gorgeous soundtrack with a talented cast of musician/actors
Don't see it if Folk music isn't your jam, don't like a cast playing multiple characters, or actors playing instruments on stage Read more
See it if You’re open to new musicals with musician actors, beautiful music, lyrics and moving performances
Don't see it if You want a traditional big budget show piece
See it if You want to see a great production full of talented actors/musicians telling a touching story. Both funny and sad. Take your tissues!
Don't see it if Do not “don’t see it” it’s brilliantl and I’ve seen hundreds of shows over the years, it’s one of my favs.
See it if You love heart-warming musical theatre, brilliantly told with a multi-talented cast and beautiful staging
Don't see it if You dislike long shows (it’s 2hrs 45mins)
See it if you want to feel like you're in a small Cornish pub, listening to 12 exceptionally talented actor-musicians telling a fascinating story.
Don't see it if you don't like folk music.
“The plot is vague at times – hardly anyone seems to notice our hero’s condition - but the score is full of rich, lovely numbers and topped and tailed by a wistful Cornish song...A strange case indeed, this musical, but one that is a surprise and a delight.”
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"I watched the closing sequence through a mist of tears accompanying pathos at once honestly earned and deeply felt."
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“It’s impossible to emphasise the impact and achievement of this utterly wonderful show without resorting to hyperbole, so I’m just urging you to see it. An unqualified triumph.”
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“There is something incredibly special about ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.’ Aside from the exceptional writing in both the book and lyrics and the obviously phenomenally talented cast, the show possesses a spirit you seldom see in the theatre...A true musical highlight of 2023, see it while you can so you can say you were there before it was huge.”
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“Plot-wise, it wobbles in places...But Parker brings truth to the role, and those are minor quibbles about a very strong, heartfelt new musical. With soaring voices, live violin, cello, guitar, accordion and trumpet, it sounds gorgeous.”
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“Its gorgeous folk-based music is a refreshing alternative to the increasingly homogenous, mid-Atlantic sound of new ‘big’ musicals...it has a cast equal to any that bigger West End productions currently have to offer.”
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There are some tweaks to be made, with such a long run time, a few scenes could be cut out, as there are some unnecessary parts, which do not progress the plot. But this is a truly unique show – it’s incredibly special and I expect there is much future life for it. This is the best actor-musician show I have ever seen, the score is sublime and expertly incorporated – I need a cast recording now! The most enchantingly beautiful show you’ll see this year.
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