The Devil Wears Prada musical does not disappoint. From the acting to the costumes, you’ll be glad you spent your evening at the Dominion Theatre watching this adaptation.
If you haven’t seen the movie, then who even are you? (Just kidding!) But seriously, if you haven’t, you’re missing out on a cult classic. Luckily, the musical stays close to the film-except, of course, the characters break into song and dance at any moment. And somehow, it works!
The Devil Wears Prada musical, directed (and choreographed) by Jerry Mitchell and based on the book by Lauren Weisberger, tells the story of Andy (Georgie Buckland), a budding journalist desperate for her big break in New York. After being rejected from countless journalism roles, she decides to apply for an assistant position at Runway, a huge fashion magazine-think Vogue, but bigger!
Andy may not be a fashionista, but she somehow lands the role as the second assistant to Runway’s editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Vanessa Williams). Her time at Runway is filled with crazy demands from both Miranda and her first assistant, Emily (Amy Di Bartolomeo), who serves as Andy’s line manager. Emily want’s nothing more than to stay ultra-skinny and dreams of accompanying Miranda to Paris Fashion Week.
As Andy navigates the chaos, she forms an unlikely friendship with Miranda Priestly’s right-hand man, Nigel (Matt Henry), who gives her a stunning makeover and becomes her confidant. With her new look comes new opportunities, from career advancements to romantic attention. But as Andy’s career soars, her relationship with boyfriend Nate (Rhys Whitfield) begins to fall apart, leaving Runway to fill the void in her life.
This new “relationship” with Runway brings exciting perks, like the chance to attend Paris Fashion Week, but also forces her into morally challenging decisions. While it may look like Andy is living the dream, it’s not the dream she truly wants. She’s left with a difficult choice: should she break things off with Miranda and Runway to follow her own dreams, or stay and continue helping Miranda live out hers?
This musical really pulled out all the stops, showcasing the magic musicals can achieve with a high budget – and trust me, it’s evident. From Gucci suits to YSL bags, the costume design was both extravagant and spectacular. Costume designer Gregg Barnes ensured every outfit was meticulously crafted and undeniably luxurious. I’ve never seen a production where the costumes left such a lasting impression. By the end of the performance, it felt like the outfits had stolen the show. From the chic office outfits worn by the ensemble to the jaw-dropping runway looks, every detail was mesmerising.
One standout moment was the Met Gala scene. Miranda wears a breathtaking red sequin Pamela Rolland gown, while Nigel wears a striking cape with a long trail. Gregg Barnes revealed that this cape was a tribute to André Leon Talley, who famously wore a similar iconic design to the Met Gala.
The costumes don’t just complement the story – they bring it to life, highlighting the vital role fashion plays in the narrative. Though the play is set in 2006, the wardrobe spans the early 2000s to today, reflecting how timeless fashion can be. The costumes are as much a character in the musical as the performers themselves.
Although I could go on about how incredible the costumes were, the overall aesthetic of the show was just as impressive. The scenic designs by Tim Hatley were captivating-whether it was the grand staircase of the Met Gala or the iconic Eiffel Tower, each setting made me feel like I was being transported into Miranda’s world. Every location felt immersive and perfectly tailored to the story’s glamour and drama.
The lighting design by Bruno Poet added an extra layer of magic to the production, creating the perfect mood for each scene and adding depth to the stage. It elevated the storytelling, pulling me deeper into the experience.
I also have to shout out the hair and wigs designed by Campbell Young Associates-they were great. I especially appreciated Harriet Samuel-Gray (Ensemble) wearing an afro during the Met Gala scene. I loved seeing all the natural hairstyles and stunning blowouts throughout the show. It made me want to book a blowout so fast!
The songs, composed by Elton John with lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, were enjoyable and beautifully performed by the cast, but they didn’t quite stand out for me. While fun to listen to, none of the songs were particularly memorable, which was a little disappointing. That said, they weren’t cheesy or over-the-top but instead complemented the story nicely and were pleasant to hear.
The acting across the entire cast was fantastic. Vanessa Williams, as expected, did not disappoint. The audience erupted in cheers when she made her grand entrance, rising from the stage. She truly made Miranda her own and embodied everything we’d expect from such an iconic character.
Georgie Buckland (Andy) and Amy Di Bartolomeo (Emily) were fantastic as Miranda’s assistants. It’s hard to believe this is Georgie’s musical debut—she was a natural in the role and portrayed Andy’s transformation perfectly. Amy brought sass and a subtle vulnerability to Emily while also delivering a powerful vocal performance.
Matt Henry was a standout as Nigel. He brought so much energy, charm, and warmth to the role, making Nigel my favourite character. His interactions with the cast felt genuine, and his performance was captivating from start to finish.
The performances overall were exceptional, and I’d happily watch this cast again.
This might just be the musical of the year-it’s fun, entertaining, and thoroughly engaging.
Even if you’ve never seen the movie or have watched it a hundred times, this version is well worth seeing. If you’re considering booking, then you should! And in the words of Miranda herself, “That’s all”.
Need to know: The Devil Wears Prada is playing at the Dominion Theatre
