42nd Street
A brand-new production of 42nd Street is coming to London!
42nd Street
It's an extraordinary thing, crammed with songs by Al Dubin and Harry Warren, full of the sound and fury of tapping feet, illuminated by dazzling colour.
The Stage
42nd Street
A brand-new production of 42nd Street is coming to London!
Why see 42nd Street?
brand new production of 42nd street!
42nd Street sings and dances its way back into London! Award-winning actress Ruthie Henshall, Oliver-nominee Adam Garcia, and Les Dennis join a dazzling cast of over 50 to tell the iconic story of a chorus girl who gets a shot at fame when the star of the show is injured, featuring iconic tunes including 'We're In The Money' and 'Lullaby of Broadway'.
What is 42nd Street about?
In 42nd Street, we follow Peggy Sawyer (Claire Halse), an aspiring Broadway actress who arrives on the Great White Way fresh from small-town USA. When she makes the chorus of a brand-new musical, she has much more than just her own insecurities to tackle, including jealousy from the production's leading lady, a megalomanic director, and a casanova leading man who won't take no for an answer!
Did you know?
The original West End production of 42nd Street in the 1980s is where Catherine Zeta-Jones got her big break! In a true case of art-imitating-life, she was a chorus girl who took over the lead role when both the main actress and her understudy were absent, and consequently caught the eye of a producer in the audience!
Key Information
Audience
Suitable for ages five years and older and each attendee will need their own seat
Dates
Finished 2 Jul 2023
Cast
Ruthie Henshall as Dorothy Brock
Adam Garcia as Julian Marsh
Les Dennis as Bert Barry
Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer
Sam Lips as Billy Lawlor
With
Erica-Jayne Alden, George Beet, Charlie Bishop, Briana Craig, Ashleigh Graham, Alyn Hawke, Aimee Hodnett, Connor Hughes, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Ben Middleton, Benjamin Mundy, Anthony Ofoegbu and Jessica Wright
Creative
Directed by Jonathan Church
Choreography and design by Bill Dreamer and Rob Jones
Lighting design by Ben Cracknell
Sound design by Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker
Video design by Jon Driscoll
Musical supervision by Jennifer Whyte
Orchestrations by Larry Blank
Awards
Olivier Awards, 2018 - Nominations
Best Theatre Choreographer - Randy Skinner
Best Musical Revival
Best Costume Design - Rodger Kirk
2018 What's On Stage Awards
Best Musical Revival
Best Choreography
Best Set Design
Best Costume Design
Reviews
Customer reviews
1 reviews, average rating: (4.0 Stars)
Ken Grogan
Energetic
Excellent staging / costumes / singing and dancing. Terrific energy!!
The plot line needs updating.....it's SO cliched in these days.
I appreciate authenticity but it's all too old and unrealistic.
... Read more
Anonymous
Sheens Easton, wow what a voice !
Smiled all the way through even though seats uncomfortable , if you have
dodgy knees get an aisle seat. !! Back to show , the cast were wonderful. , more
tap than any morse code signal , girl playing Peggy sawer was a real pocket
dynamo , reminded me of a young Debbie Reynolds .
Miss Sheena Easton was revelation as Dorothy Brock , great singing and real
stage presence .
A really good show thoroughly enjoyed ( except the seat ) ... Read more
Yasmin Al-Sheklly
Classical musical theatre that is full of glamour and pizzazz.
What is the plot of 42nd Street about?
42nd Street centres around the character Peggy Sawyer who is an innocent and enthusiastic woman who is from Allen Town and arrives only with a suitcase and her handkerchief but she also has dreams of being famous on Broadway.
After a slow start in New York City she catches the attention of director Julian Marsh who takes a big chance on her taking the leading role in his show after the main star has been injured in an accident. However, Julian is not a soft centred man and so he pushes Peggy too much but on the other hand her boyfriend Billy supports her in every single way. Yet the jealous Dorothy Brock will not make life easy for her.
As Peggy helps Dorothy out with a personal issue yet her personality slowly changes towards Peggy.
The message behind 42nd Street is that if you work hard then you can achieve anything and your dreams will come true.
What themes are explored in 42nd Street?
The themes that are explored in 42nd Street are friendships, financial issues, love, team work, dreams, jealousy, failure, music, acting and fame.
Cast
Nicole Lily Baisden was incredible as Peggy Sawyer. She was charming, enthusiastic, and sassy. Her movement around the stage was impeccable and she exudes energy. Her vocals were powerful and her range was remarkable especially in the high notes. Her acting was vibrant and fresh. She was a powerhouse.
Michael Praed was sensational as Julian Marsh. He had a warm and a likeable stage presence. He is someone that wants to impress badly but also to scream at the same time. His vocals gave you goose bumps especially in the opening notes of 42nd Street. He gives you everything that you expect but also with an extra bit of sparkle.
Samantha Womack was brilliant as Dorothy Brock. The way that she combined comedy and love together is like a breath of fresh air. This is a complex role in which she accomplishes with ease. Her vocals were effortless. They were soft, smooth and powerful.
Faye Tozer was amazing as Maggie Jones. She was warm, witty and charismatic on stage. She sang beautifully. Her performance had elegance and grace.
Les Dennis was hilarious as Bert Barry. He gave a light-hearted performance that was endearing, funny and entertaining.
Faye Tozer (Maggie Jones) and Les Dennis (Bert Barry) were the rays of sunshine on stage in terms of their comedic timing. Their chemistry was infectious to watch and they were a perfect partnership on stage. They were clearly in their element as they appeared relaxed and having the time of their lives.
Sam Lips gave a lively performance as Billy Lawlor. He was full of confidence on stage. His dancing was slick and faultless but also with an outstanding voice.
Oliver Farnworth was excellent as Pat Denning. His acting was convincing as an opposite suitor to Abner. We also see a tender side to his character in his relationship with Peggy. This added a nice touch to the show.
Anthony Ofoegbu was superb as Abner Dillion. He conveyed the role of a business tycoon in an innocent way that you could not help but sympathise for him yet he is controlling and is throwing his money around. His physical comedy gave us a different perspective of the character.
This was a large talented cast that featured some big names that are known from the TV and entertainment world that was well complemented with younger members. They worked in unison regardless of how big or small their roles were. It was a credit to watch.
Sets
The sets were simple, effective, lavish, and glamourous. They transported us to Broadway. In addition, the set changes were transitioned seamlessly from the backstage rehearsal space to the dressing room to the front of stage sparkle.
Costumes
The costumes stole the show. It was perfectly matched to the 1930s style from the rehearsal shorts that were worn by the dancers to the flowery tea dresses. The gold and satin ones worn by the chorus girls were gorgeous.
Choreography
The choreography was exquisite in every way. The show was full of iconic hit after another where you could not stop smiling for even one bit. The joy of the irresistible tap dancing filled you with emotions of happiness.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of 42nd Street was timeless and iconic too. It was full of catchy upbeat numbers and emotional ballads. Highlights included “Lullaby Of Broadwayâ€, “We’re In The Moneyâ€, “About A Quarter To Nineâ€, and the title song “42nd Streetâ€.
The music arrangement for “We’re In The Money†was mesmerising to watch. It started off as a soft song to which the music then picked up pace and was quicker. You could not stop tapping your feet whilst sat in your chair.
The songs were intertwined perfectly within the events of the plot and the music was brought to life via the live band with great orchestration.
If you love classical musicals done at their finest level with great humour, a star studded cast and brilliant iconic tunes then 42nd Street is the show for you. Get your tickets now or they will be gone.
... Read more
News
NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE
"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"
Read how we protect your data .