Dear Evan Hansen London reviews – what did the critics make of the West End production?

Dear Evan Hansen West End reviews roundup

Reviews have dropped for the West End production of Dear Evan Hansen in London – what did the critics make of it?

With a score written by Dogfight and The Greatest Showman songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, Dear Evan Hansen has proved a huge hit on Broadway.

Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of socially awkward teenager Evan. In his last year of high school and with only one person he considers a friend, an assignment from his therapist leads to a misunderstanding that casts him in the centre of a tragedy.

The new West End production opened at the Noël Coward Theatre on November 19, 2019.

The cast features newcomer Sam Tutty in the title role with Rebecca McKinnis playing Evan’s mum Heidi. Lucy Anderson appears as Zoe Murphy and Doug Colling as Connor Murphy with Lauren Ward and Rupert Young as their parents Cynthia & Larry Murphy.

Jack Loxton plays Jared with Nicole Raquel Dennis as Alana.

What did the critics make of Dear Evan Hansen in London’s West End?

Dear Evan Hansen London reviews

The Independent – 5/5
“A superb, unmissable musical […] Sam Tutty gives a star-making performance in a story of grief, deception and the conscienceless juggernaut of the internet” – Read the full review

Daily Mail – 4/5
“It’s Tutty’s Ed Sheeran-like performance that carries the show. From the moment a spotlight lights up on him and he swallows nervously, he exudes vulnerability and warmth.” – Read the full review

The Telegraph – 4/5
“The show belongs to its 21-year-old star Sam Tutty, fresh out of drama school and making his West End debut. His ever-shifting mixture of facial twitches, shifty looks and pained smiles, combined with his ability to hold song after song is a treat to behold.” – Read the full review

The Stage – 4/5
“The powerful, moving and superbly performed Broadway smash with a top notch pop score hits the West End ”
Read the full review

The Guardian – 4/5
“[Tutty] captures Evan’s loneliness through an array of nervy smiles and hesitant gestures, and suggests his whole body could disintegrate at any moment: paradoxically, he conveys a lack of certainty with complete technical assurance and, when it comes to his solo numbers, proves he can really sing.” – Read the full review

London Evening Standard – 3/5
“Ultimately, this is a high school drama about stalkers, trolls and those who piggyback on tragedy. Which may be a tough sell for a London musical audience.” – Read the full review

Dear Evan Hansen plays Noël Coward Theatre, London currently booking through to May 30, 2020.

Book Dear Evan Hansen London tickets here »

The standard performance schedule is Monday-Saturday at 7:30PM with 2:30PM matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

About the author: Jessica White

Recent University graduate Jessica is the newest writer for Stageberry. She's over the moon to be sharing her theatre knowledge and passion for musicals with the online world.

 

Follow us