Elton John’s latest musical, The Devil Wears Prada, is a stylish and often hilarious adaptation of the iconic novel and film. The show, currently running at the Dominion Theatre in London, is a testament to the popularity of the story and the blockbuster movie.
At its core, the musical remains faithful to the original narrative, following the journey of Andy Sachs, played by Georgie Buckland, a young and ambitious journalist who lands a coveted job at a prestigious fashion magazine. Under the iron fist of her demanding editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly, portrayed by the iconic Vanessa Williams, Andy is thrown into a world of high fashion, cutthroat competition, and relentless deadlines.
Elton John’s music, while not groundbreaking, is undeniably catchy. The songs range from power ballads to upbeat pop numbers, each serving its purpose in driving the narrative forward. Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick’s lyrics are witty and often insightful, capturing the essence of the story.
The production design is equally impressive. The set, by Tim Hatley, is both elegant and functional and features even a small Eiffel Tower. The costumes, designed by Gregg Barnes, are stunning and perfectly capture the glamorous and often absurd world of high fashion.
However, while the production is visually stunning, it falters in its character development and warmth, and sometimes it feels dated. While Miranda Priestly is a captivating and complex figure, some of the supporting characters, particularly Andy’s colleagues, feel somewhat underdeveloped.
The performances, however, are uniformly excellent. Vanessa Williams commands the stage with her powerful voice and imposing presence. Georgie Buckland shines as Andy, bringing both vulnerability and determination to the role. Other standout performances include Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily, Miranda’s ambitious first assistant, and Matt Henry as Nigel, the magazine’s creative director.
Overall, The Devil Wears Prada is a stylish and entertaining musical that is sure to delight fans of the original story.
It runs until 18 October 2025. Tickets: here.
Photo: Matt Crockett