I want to give a huge thank you to the Dominion Theatre for gifting us tickets in exchange for our always honest review.
If there’s one guilty pleasure movie of mine it’s The Devil Wears Prada, I think it’s so wonderfully done that it appeals to just about anyone who watches it whether you’re a fashionista or not it’s packed full of personality, ambition and razor-sharp wit in the shape of Miranda Priestly who is one of cinemas most powerhouse female figures.
When finding out about the West End adaptation of the film I was skeptical because the casting of the movie is so perfect and I couldn’t quite see how music could fit into the atmosphere and dynamics of a film like this and after watching it on stage I still feel as though this was the single weakness of the entire show.
The Devil Wears Prada stage musical had its songs written by Elton John but throughout the production, whilst the songs certainly emoted the characters well and the deliveries of the songs on stage were pitch perfect I just felt that none of the songs were particularly memorable. The songs are certainly more functional than emotionally impactful but thankfully a stellar cast carried the rather lacklustre numbers and amplified them tenfold.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear that this production has spared no expense. The set design seamlessly transports audiences between the bustling offices of Runway magazine, glamorous fashion shows and the streets of New York, with slick scene transitions maintaining the show’s fast pace. I really enjoyed the Paris set, I thought this was outstanding and with the cast oozing designer labels and eye-catching costumes it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in it all.
Vanessa Williams did a stellar job as Miranda Priestly and got the attitude nailed to a tee and Matt Henry was outstanding as Nigel, there two were certainly fine examples of perfect casting but for me there was one cast member who rose above them all and that was Taila Halford as Emily.
Now the main plot revolves all around Andy, played by Anne Hathaway in the movie and Stevie Doc but in the musical it almost feels like her character is existing within this world as opposed to being a core focus of the show.
Taila Halford commanded every single scene she was in and her comedic timing, delivery and stage presence was astonishing from interacting with the audience at the very beginning of the show right until the very end there was not a single actor on stage who could out-shine the performance she put in, she was utterly incredible.
Andy’s personal journey from uncertain newcomer to confident professional remains engaging, while Emily and Nigel provide many of the show’s funniest moments. Their chemistry helps maintain momentum even during some of the slower scenes.
Whilst in places the pacing of the show seems to wander the production never loses sight of what audiences have brought tickets for. The humour, the visuals, the fashion and the celebration of an incredible movie. The theatre adaptation perfectly understands its audience and whilst it certainly isn’t the best the West End has to offer, it’s entertaining and absolutely worth a night out in the theatre to check out.
In the theatre before and after the show fans can shop Devil Wears Prada show merchandise and it went far beyond your standard logo T-Shirt and Hoodie combo. There’s a whole range to check out and to indulge in and I thought this was a very nice touch all residing within a themed theatrical boutique.
The shop was busy throughout the entire time we were there and that’s a testament to the designers of the merchandise who really put some thought and effort into what they were creating as opposed to many shows that just slap a logo on some Fruit of the Loom trash and hope for the best!
The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre oozes comedy class and chique and I HIGHLY recommend going to check it out if you get the chance!
