London Theatre Review: The Devil Wears Prada

Any well-known film which has a core fan base can have an uphill task when being transformed into a musical. The story is already there, but you need to get the music just right, and do dance routines work?

Luckily for producers, Sir Elton John was on-hand to craft a new score which just about hits all the right notes.

The ‘Rocket Man’ himself said in his programme notes: “When I see a musical, I look for modern music, the storyline and most importantly, that I learned something new.”

If going off this definition, it hits the brief. I learned a lot from the performance, not least how cut throat a dramatised life in the fashion industry can be, but also several new fashion-themed puns that I’ll be able to drop into a conversation now - who would have thought a night in the West End could be so educational?

Of course, Sir Elton’s music is enough to tempt any theatregoer into buying a ticket, but I was intrigued to see how American star Vanessa Williams would bring her frostiness to the stage, a characteristic she is well-known for after starring in TV show, Ugly Betty. 

Entering from the stage floor via a lift, holding a stylish bag and a striking fur coat, the actor was greeted by a huge cheer and commanded the show from second one as Miranda Priestly. Her terse remarks towards staff have you wincing in your seat as she directs the Runway empire - a prestigious fashion magazine. You want to hate her, but you can’t - almost like one of the wicked step sisters. She oozes class and delivers every one liner with conviction.

For those who don’t know the story: when fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at Runway magazine in New York City. She sacrifices her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, and finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised, losing site of what really matters. 

I’m a fairly laid back individual, so with so much sass and strutting in this performance it was hard to keep up at times - I did say it was dramatised. But underneath all the pomp there are some important themes covered such as inclusivity and self-confidence that brings the story forward into the modern day, and rightly so.

Georgie Buckland who plays lead Andy Sachs marks her West End debut in the role but looks as if she’s been doing this for years. She’s earned her name in the bright lights of London, transforming her whole persona from geeky assistant to an integral team member in the Runway dynasty. Her vocals are off the charts in the finale which earn a well-deserved standing ovation.

This also applies to co-star Amy Di Bartolomeo (Emily Charlton), who shines brightest in Paris, City of Dreams, and a special mention must also must go to Matt Henry for his take on the role of Nigel. His smooth tone fits the tunes perfectly and he shows why he was a finalist on the second series of The Voice.

For those who like big tunes, stereotypical musical theatre and bright costumes, this is the show for you.

It has all the glitz and glamour that you would expect from a musical about fashion, along with a solid cast that brings Sir Elton John’s score to life.

I always think that cult films should be left alone, but on this occasion, it just about passes the test.