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Rachel Zegler London Palladium Review: A Luminous 5-Star Concert
Monday, 6 October 2025
Rachel Zegler
London Palladium
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review because yesterday’s concert at the London Palladium was nothing short of magical. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that my love for Rachel Zegler goes way back, right to 2017, when I stumbled across her cover of Anyway by Kerrigan and Lowdermilk. (I even featured her in a website post at the time.) Since then, I’ve been following her outrageously amazing career from YouTube videos in her bedroom to, well… global stardom. It’s somewhat depressing how little I’ve achieved in that same time while Rachel has basically achieved world domination… but hey, we won’t harp on that hahaha.
What I will harp on about is how utterly luminous she was on that Palladium stage during her debut solo concert. And luminous really is the word.
We all knew Rachel’s voice was spectacular; her run in Evita was proof enough of that (I’m still mourning the show's closing). But this concert felt like a complete vocal masterclass. Her tone is crystal clear, her breath control flawless, and the strength and health of her voice is something to marvel at. Every note rang out like it was the easiest thing in the world, yet full of emotion and nuance. Rachel’s voice doesn’t just sound beautiful, it feels like it’s telling you a story, every single time.
The setlist was an absolute dream. We got theatrical classics like Jason Robert Brown’s I Can Do Better Than That, a stunning duet from Sunday in the Park with George with none other than Ramin Karimloo (Phantom fans rise up), and a heartfelt tribute to her Taylor Swift YouTube cover days with You’re On Your Own, Kid.
She also gifted us with a gorgeous Amy Winehouse/Ariana Grande mashup (Just Friends/we can’t be friends) which was an inspired blend of styles. On top of all that, she introduced two original songs, both of which were glorious, beautifully written, and made it so clear that Rachel isn’t just an interpreter of music, she’s a creator too.
I truly loved all the choices, with tributes to key parts of Rachel’s career and life so far. There were nods to The Hunger Games, to her being a literal Disney princess, to her Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet, and to the musical theatre legends who have shaped her artistry. It was like watching her personal and professional journey unfold in song. A reminder of just how much she’s done, and how much she loves what she does.
As dazzling as her voice is, what made this concert unforgettable was Rachel herself. Her banter, her humour and her vulnerability; she was so open, joyful, and clearly utterly in love with theatre and music. As long as I've followed and chatted to Rachel, she has always been so incredibly kind and giving, and that same spirit filled the Palladium. You didn’t just see a star performing; you saw a human being sharing herself with the audience, and it was beautiful.
Rachel joked at one point that Javert is a role she’d never get to play but honestly, having watched how she’s manifested the rest of her career, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if it happens someday. She’s unstoppable.
This concert was a testament to everything Rachel Zegler is: luminous, powerful, generous, and truly unique. She is a once-in-a-generation talent, and I have no doubt she will continue to soar and shine (hopefully back on a West End stage in the not too distant future). Until then, I’ll keep cheering her on, as I always have, from that first Anyway cover in 2017 to now. Here's to continued Rachel Zegler world domination!
★★★★★
Reviewed on Sunday 5th October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
Keywords: Rachel Zegler London Palladium review Rachel Zegler concert 2025 Rachel Zegler live review Rachel Zegler Evita Rachel Zegler London concert Rachel Zegler setlist Palladium Rachel Zegler Ramin Karimloo duet Rachel Zegler I Can Do Better Than That Rachel Zegler Hunger Games singer Rachel Zegler musical theatre
Swan Lake Review 2025: A Young Dancer’s Take on Matthew Bourne’s Iconic Ballet
Sunday, 28 September 2025
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
I didn’t really know what to expect when I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, but it totally blew me away. First of all, the swans were played by men, which was surprising at first, but actually made the story feel way more powerful and intense. The dancing was amazing – super sharp and full of emotion. You could really tell what the characters were feeling, even though there were no words.
I do ballet myself, so watching this was honestly really inspiring. It made me want to work harder in class and try new ways of expressing emotion through dance. The way the dancers moved was so strong and full of feeling – it wasn’t just about being perfect, it was about telling a story.
The swan costumes looked wild and kind of scary, but in a cool way. Their design was so free and the way the feathers moved as they jumped and spun was incredible.
The music by Tchaikovsky was beautiful and dramatic, and the way it matched the dancing gave me goosebumps. I found the dream scenes confusing and strange but I could still follow it. My favourite part was the mini play because it reflected the story in such a funny and amusing way and the reactions from the pink lady was so funny . I especially loved when she dropped the purse and the queen rolls her eyes at her.
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake wasn’t like any ballet I’ve seen before, but I loved it. It was emotional, creative, and totally unforgettable.
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd September by Freya Myers
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
50 First Dates Musical World Premiere Review: A Fun, Heartwarming New Rom-Com for the Stage
Thursday, 25 September 2025
50 First Dates the Musical
The Other Palace
Walking into the world premiere of 50 First Dates: The Musical, I didn’t really know what to expect. I haven’t seen the original film, so I came in with fresh eyes and no preconceptions. What I got was a fun, heartwarming tale full of laugh-out-loud comedy, sweet romance, and a cast that truly pours their energy into every moment. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a crowd-pleasing new addition to the musical theatre scene.
The story follows Lucy, played by Georgina Castle, who is utterly charming in the role. She brings warmth, humour, and vulnerability to a character who could easily feel one-note. Opposite her, Josh St Clair shines as Henry, balancing comic timing with a sincerity that makes their relationship believable. Together, they make a likeable pairing, grounding the show’s quirkiness with genuine chemistry.
For me, though, the standout was Chad St Louis as Sandy, a Disney-loving character who lights up the stage every time he appears. His vocals are sublime, soaring, effortless, and memorable; and his comic flair makes him the kind of scene-stealer audiences will talk about afterwards. Natasha O’Brien is also perfectly cast as Delilah; she’s hilarious, bold, and brings a spark of chaos that keeps the momentum rolling. The rest of the ensemble is equally strong, with every performer pulling their weight to create a show that feels tightly knit and well-rehearsed.
At just one act and around 100 minutes, the show is lean and well-paced, managing to pack in both big laughs and tender moments. However, the ending does feel a little rushed, as if the creative team were racing to tie everything together before the curtain falls. Another ten minutes of breathing space might have allowed the conclusion to land with more emotional weight.
The music is fun and infectious in the moment, and the cast performs it with absolute gusto. The problem is that, like Lucy’s forgetful condition, none of the songs really stick in your head after you leave the theatre. They’re enjoyable while you’re watching, but there aren’t any standout motifs or melodies that elevate the show into instant-classic territory. A stronger, more memorable score would take 50 First Dates from enjoyable to unmissable.
Visually, the production is bright and colourful, with clever set design that helps transport the audience into its tropical, playful world without overcomplicating things. The choreography is light, cheeky, and matches the tone of the show, keeping things lively throughout.
In the end, 50 First Dates: The Musical is exactly what you’d want from a rom-com on stage: it’s funny, heartwarming, and full of charm. The cast is excellent, the pacing is snappy, and there’s a lot of joy to be had in watching it. It might not yet be destined for the status of a theatrical classic, but it’s certainly a promising and highly entertaining premiere.
★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 24th September 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: 50 First Dates musical review, world premiere 50 First Dates stage show, Georgina Castle Lucy 50 First Dates, Josh St Clair Henry 50 First Dates, Chad St Louis Sandy Disney 50 First Dates, Natasha O’Brien Delilah 50 First Dates, new musicals 2025 review, rom-com musical UK premiere.
Grease the Immersive Movie Musical Experience | REVIEW
Sunday, 7 September 2025
Grease the Immersive Movie Musical
Battersea Park
If you’ve ever watched Grease and wished you could be part of Rydell High for a night, Grease: The Immersive Experience is exactly that dream come true. From the second you walk in, it’s like the movie has exploded into real life around you. The sets are ridiculously detailed- from the moment you walk in, it’s like the film comes alive! The set design is magical with full 50s fairgrounds, classrooms, and drive ins, the costumes are spot-on, and everywhere you look, there’s something happening. The diner is ready to serve you a milkshake, the lockers look like they’ve been there for years, and yes, Greased Lightning is sitting there in all its chrome glory. Even the little things, like the signs, the menus, and the jukebox lighting, feel spot-on.
One of the things that really blew me away was the casting. These actors don’t just play the characters, they look and act like the real deal. Danny has the swagger, Sandy has the sweetness, Rizzo has that perfect mix of sass and charm… it’s almost eerie how close they are to their movie counterparts. You can tell the casting team put a lot of thought into getting the right people for each role.
The way the show works is pretty clever, it’s happening all around you. Scenes are popping up in different corners at the same time, and you can choose where to go and who to follow. It’s exciting, but it also means you’ll miss things. You can’t possibly see it all in one go, but honestly, that’s part of the magic. You could come back three or four times and still spot new moments, new interactions, or even jokes you didn’t catch the first time.
Now, it wasn’t all perfect. At the start, there were some sound issues (a few lines got lost under the music) but as the night went on, it got much better. Once it clicked, the energy, the music, and the performances all came together beautifully.
If you know Grease, you’re going to have a blast spotting all the little nods to the movie. If you don’t know it, you might find the whole thing a bit confusing, because the show doesn’t really slow down to explain who’s who or what’s happening. But for fans? It’s pure joy.
Bottom line? Grease: The Immersive Experience is a big, loud, colourful party of a show. It’s chaotic in the best possible way, it’s packed with detail, and it’ll make you feel like you’ve just stepped into one of the most loved musicals of all time.
A must-do for film lovers, musical fans & immersive theatre junkies. Greased Lightning never looked so good!
★★★★
Reviewed on 6th August 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Grease Immersive Experience London, Rydell High immersive theatre, immersive Grease review, Grease stage show, immersive musical London, Grease immersive cast, Grease theatre London review.
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