REVIEW | Stiletto A New Musical, Charing Cross Theatre
- Harry Brogan
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Stiletto A New Musical makes its world Premiere at Charing Cross Theatre and it's a surprising and captivating theatrical experience that transports audiences to 18th-century Italy, immersing them in the world of Marco, a castrato with a divine voice. The production blends operatic grandeur with musical theatre, creating a soundscape that feels both authentic to the era and refreshingly modern.
The orchestrations by Simon Nathan leans heavily on classical instruments and operatic influences, yet seamlessly transitions into musical theatre elements. The storytelling is equally engaging, with plot twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Stiletto surprises you again.
The performances are nothing short of impeccable. The cast deliver with such emotional depth that I found myself covered in goose-bumps multiple times! Their portrayal of passion, ambition, and struggle makes Marco’s journey feel raw and real. The production design, though minimal in terms of set changes, never felt repetitive. A few moving blocks were used creatively, and the lighting design by Ben Ormerod played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere, enhancing the drama and emotion of each scene.
Costume designer Anna Kelsey highlighted an evoking elegance of the period. The entire production felt reminiscent of an opera, which I found deeply enjoyable. However, if there were one element that felt slightly out of place, it would be the resolution of the story. Tim Luscombe's book gives harsh realities of the time - where wealth and status dictated one’s fate, and women had definitely no saying in any matters - the ending felt almost too optimistic. While it provided a satisfying conclusion, a touch more historical realism might have made the impact even stronger.
Overall, Stiletto A New Musical is an enthralling experience. A must-watch for lovers of opera, musical theatre, and compelling storytelling alike!
★★★★
Stiletto A New Musical plays at the Charing Cross Theatre until 14th of June.
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