Review by Carla Rudgyard
It seems we’re in the age of the revival; with the likes of Mean Girls and Mrs Doubtfire in London’s West End, it’s out with the new and in with the old in today’s theatre fashion and why not? Vintage is very chic. Perhaps that’s why the Dominion Theatre is welcoming The Devil Wears Prada musical to its stage this winter- and in the iconic role allegedly based on Ms Wintour herself, we have Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly.
Like a little black dress, the plot of this show is a silhouette we all know and love. Kate Wetherhead’s writing follows closely to Aline Brosh McKenna’s popular screenplay, keeping to the iconic lines and even adding some new savage burns (‘I’ve never seen cable knit tights out in the wild’). William’s Priestley is the same fantastically icy and breathtakingly powerful editor and chief of the fictional fashion magazine ‘Runway’, who rises up from a trapdoor in the ground like, well, the devil from hell.
Similarly, Emily (Amy Di Bartolomeo) is just as brilliant in her conceited and snide role as Emily Blunt’s film portrayal (which is no small feat) and yet she somehow manages to make us love and sympathise with her. As our leading lady, Georgie Buckland’s Andy is like a mirror held to Anne Hathaway’s: dorky and determined and then unrecognizably poised after her razzle-dazzle makeover with fabulously flamboyant second in command Nigel (Matt Henry).
But with all these qualities already just a button press away from us in the cult classic film, what is it that this show has to offer that’s special or new? The songs (music composed by Elton John) are upbeat and fun, although much like fast fashion, none are unique enough to stay with you for very long. The talent of the cast is undeniable, but with lyrics (Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick) like ‘this is the house of Miranda’ repeated sixfold as the chorus to, you guessed it: ‘House of Miranda’, it felt uninspired.
And despite this runway-based show having great potential for some sort of thrust stage or colourful clothing extravaganza, the set for the first act is unimaginative, with some practical sliding white walls against a pretty New York skyline. It’s only in the second act, set in Paris with the sparkling Eiffel Tower and draping red velour curtains that we’re delighted with the opulence you’d expect from a story focused on the high flyers of the fashion industry.
Arguably, the assets of this show lie within the couture-focused scenes. There are dazzling catwalks that showcase an array of stylish pieces ranging from Le Tricolore-inspired power suits to a sumptuous red sequined dress worn by ‘The Devil’ herself. Of course, it makes perfect sense that where this show shines is the costumes (Gregg Barnes), and my particular favourite was the James Holt fashion show in Paris which included a gorgeous display of blue and purple gowns that resembled the tails of fancy fish.
Although a little uninventive, if the goal of this piece was to replicate the undeniably brilliant film and add music for entertainment’s sake, it was ultimately successful. With such impeccable casting (Jill Green), original novelist Lauren Weisberger’s beloved characters were unquestionably nailed, it’s just the songs that ultimately won’t stick. It’s a feel-good, glitzy night out that captures the essence of the iconic film which, much like Andy’s cerulean blue jumper, will never go out of style.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Good)
The Devil Wears Prada is at the Dominion Theatre, London. Currently booking to 31 May 2025
