Despite Vanessa Williams’ Effort, This West End Production Falls Flat
The West End’s growing trend of film-to-musical adaptations continues, but not all attempts strike the right chord. While some productions dazzle, The Devil Wears Prada stumbles, despite music icon Elton John penning the score. Unfortunately, even his legendary talents couldn’t save this adaptation from mediocrity.
Vanessa Williams stars as Miranda Priestly, the icy fashion mogul. Her portrayal is solid, showcasing restrained elegance, but the vivid red-and-black costumes outshine the nuance of her performance. The adaptation clings desperately to the 2006 film’s script, making the production feel less like a modern reimagining and more like a relic from the past.
A Time Capsule Without Shine
Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the show struggles to elevate the original material. Rather than capturing the satirical essence of early 2000s fashion culture, it feels dated and uninspired. Georgie Buckland plays Andy, the ambitious assistant, with high energy and a bold voice, but her character lacks chemistry with both Williams’ Priestly and Rhys Whitfield’s Nate.
Whitfield’s Nate has more development than his film counterpart, but the result is baffling. His love song, “I Only Want You for Your Body,” stands out as a catchy tune in John’s otherwise forgettable jazz-inspired score, but it feels disconnected from the show’s tone.
Missed Opportunities
The stage design, crafted by Tim Hatley, uses neon arches to frame the action, but the flashy lights feel like an attempt to mask the uninspired choreography. Ensemble movements evoke airline safety demonstrations more than the sophistication of the fashion industry.
There are moments of potential. The first act’s Met Gala sequence sparkles with dark glamour, featuring Gregg Barnes’ intricate costumes that momentarily capture the allure of high fashion. When the soundtrack embraces the pounding beats of Noughties runways, the energy briefly reignites the decade’s edginess. However, the overall visual and musical tone feels more suburban than high couture.
Missing the Magic of the Film
The 2006 movie offered a tantalising glimpse into a secretive, high-stakes world, blending critique and glamour. This musical adaptation, however, lacks that aspirational edge, feeling too safe and generic to make a lasting impression.
While the Y2K aesthetic may be trending, The Devil Wears Prada musical fails to capitalise on this nostalgia. Instead, it showcases an era’s less iconic elements, leaving the production stuck on the metaphorical clearance rack.
