REVIEW - FROZEN - THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE -

Having heard the buzz about West End production of Frozen, I went into the theatre with high expectations and was still blown away. This is a big production with some serious money behind it, and you can absolutely tell.

Given we all know the story and songs from the 2013 film version of Frozen, I was worried there was a chance the stage musical would feel like a less magical recreation – for how can real life compare with special effects and animation? How wrong I was. The staging, by Christopher Oram, and effects, by Jeremy Chernick, were both incredible and I, on numerous occasions, was left desperately trying to work out how they managed to perform the quick costume changes and special effects so well. The choreography, by Rob Ashford, was also impeccable and it was the easiest thing in the world to become lost in the fantastical kingdom of Arundel.

As a surprise to no one, Samantha Barks, as Elsa, was incredible. ‘Let it Go,’ performed just before the interval, had big ‘Defying Gravity’ vibes and the audience was in raptures as the curtain closed.

Emily Lane is a newer addition to the cast as Anna, but her fantastic chemistry with every other actor on stage would make you think she has been in the role since day one. It was not even just the actors; Lane has chemistry with props and sets alike, and it was a joy to watch her perform.

Along with the classics from the film score, the audience was treated to a number of original songs written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and performed fantastically by the live orchestra in the pit.

Frozen was absolutely conceived with children in mind, and there was a magical atmosphere in the theatre as it filled with childlike wonder. However, that isn’t to say it is just for children. There are a number of jokes just for the adults that would go over most kids’ heads, and being over the age of 18 doesn’t make us immune to feeling that childlike wonder either. It was a throughly enjoyable evening, and I will be recommending it to everyone I see.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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