The Secret Life of Bees London Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (21)
See it if You are into a serious story performed by a great cast. Duncan Sheeks songs might not stand out on its own, it is totally fitting here
Don't see it if You don't want to see anything about racism
See it if you want to see some powerhouse vocal performances in this new musical. Vocally stunning from the whole cast- every harmony spot on.
Don't see it if you don’t enjoy musicals or you’re looking for something more light hearted- this was a poignant story, often sad, sometimes uncomfortable. Read more
See it if You like soulful musicals. Topics such as race, friendship and love are of interest to you.
Don't see it if You don't like dated stories and are expecting a musical with big musical numbers. Read more
See it if you're a sucker for a gorgeous set, genius lighting design & engaging performances. Rachel John & Eleanor Worthington-Cox are outstanding!
Don't see it if you like your musical songs to steer the narrative. It's not quite nailed that.
See it if you want to see FANTASTIC vocals
Don't see it if you want a super, fantastic book.
See it if your into seeing new musicals
Don't see it if your expecting to be remembering songs after you see it
See it if you enjoy great performances and new songs
Don't see it if you don’t like stories about racism
See it if Beautiful songs and singing
Don't see it if You want something "unique" - a fairly dated story
Critic Reviews (13)
" 'The Secret Life of Bees' is a production that will resonate strongly with audiences of all ages."
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" 'The Secret Life of Bees' embraces many troubling tropes, mixes them all up in a musical bran tub, and – I think – synthesises something new. See for yourself: you certainly won’t be bored."
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"‘The Secret Life of Bees’ has a lot going for it. But slow pacing and a muted protagonist means it never gets out of first gear – worth you [sic] time, but as bees go it’s more bumble than killer."
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"The story meanders, comes to a standstill at times and leaves loose threads. What is surprising is that none of this matters. Come for the music. Go home in awe."
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"Given how sour and racially divided the world can seem, it’s worth making a beeline for a show with a rare honeycomb heart."
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"The strength of the performances can sometimes lift a musical into a different league...The Almeida’s version — directed by Whitney White — contains some of the most impassioned singing I have heard in a show for quite some time."
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“What’s missing is more nuance and surprise to a show that wears its platitudes on its sleeve...’The Secret Life of Bees’ has much to admire and applaud, but did I love it? Not quite, though with further tweaking, I very well might.”
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"In spite of some soaring musical moments, this is a show that never quite takes flight."
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