The Band’s Visit at Donmar Warehouse reviews – what did the critics make of the new production?

Reviews have dropped for the new production of The Band’s Visit in London – what did the critics make of it?

Adapted from the Israeli film of the same name, the piece has music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Itamar Moses

In a quiet desert town way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost. As they wait for the next bus out, these unexpected visitors bring the town to life in surprising ways, proving that even the briefest visit can stay with you forever.

The European premiere of the Tony award winning musical opened at the Donmar Warehouse on 24 September 2022, directed by Michael Longhurst with a cast led by Alon Moni Aboutboul and Miri Mesika.

The Band’s Visit London reviews

The Telegraph – 5/5
“There are no big numbers, no razzmatazz chorus lines, there’s barely much of a story. Yet this bijou show won 10 Tonys in 2018 and now arrives in a new, effortlessly seductive production by Michael Longhurst featuring a crack Israeli and Arab cast. It’s one of the best things he’s staged at the Donmar.” – Read the full review

The Guardian – 4/5
“In a stunning performance by Israeli performer Miri Mesika, each song reveals new textures in her voice, from sardonic iron to yearning velvet. The standout number has her sink into the memory of watching Omar Sharif’s romantic movies, ‘floating in on a jasmine wind’.” – Read the full review

London Evening Standard- 4/5
“The humane spirit of this show is irresistible and the core group of musicians and actor-players very tight indeed. When the band finally gets to perform its signature tune at the end – with virtuoso solos for clarinet, goblet drum and the lute-like oud – I’m amazed the audience didn’t mob the stage and dance along.” – Read the full review

The Times – 4/5
“These characters seem to be on the long and winding road to nowhere. And, strange as it seems, you want to accompany them every step of the way.” – Read the full review

The Stage – 3/5
“There’s an airy absence of detail in a piece that leaves us to weave meaning from its gossamer threads. It charms, but that – I’m genuinely sorry to say – doesn’t feel like quite enough.” – Read the full review

WhatsOnStage – 3/5
“The entire ensemble is lively and engaging. But it’s the band and the music that are the star, the qualities that lift this show above the average and turn it into an uplifting evening.” – Read the full review

The Band’s Visit plays Donmar Warehouse, London currently booking through to 3 December 2022.

Book The Band's Visit at Donmar Warehouse tickets here »