THIS IS LONDON SUMMER ISSUE 2025 - Flipbook - Page 12
SADLER’S WELLS SUMMER SEASON
Sadler’s Wells continues its exciting
summer season with three major
productions in August, following a
successful and varied July programme.
From 5-16 August, Peaky Blinders:
Rambert’s The Redemption of Thomas
Shelby takes the stage at Sadler’s Wells
Theatre (pictured below). Adapted by
series creator Steven Knight and
choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic
Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, the
production brings the gritty drama of the
TV show to life through dance. Rambert
dancers perform alongside a live onstage band, featuring original music by
Roman GianArthur and tracks by artists
including Nick Cave and Radiohead.
Photos: Johan Persson © Disney
12
HERCULES
Like so many others, Hercules is my
favourite Disney film, so the new West
End adaptation had a lot to live up to.
The musical follows the story of the
unlikely titular hero, a clumsy and
unusually strong boy who is the
unknowing son of Zeus and Hera –
therefore, part God. In order to return to
his rightful home on Mount Olympus he
needs to prove that he can do something
no other God has done before. Put on
your togas and strap in, because the
adventure that follows is full of trials,
tribulations and joy in equal measure.
Disney know how to put on a show
and this is no exception. The costumes
(Sky Switser) are glittering in gold and
the sets are more than capable of filling
the Theatre Royal stage. The music
keeps the show bouncing along, with
I Can Go the Distance and Zero to Hero
being huge hits with the audience. Alan
Menken’s songs have stood the test of
time, both small children and adults left
the theatre humming the tunes.
Luke Brady takes on the role of
Hercules with his cheeky demeanour
and strapping good looks, with Mae Ann
Jorolan performing as love interest Meg.
They are both charming to watch, their
love story is fun and convincing – the
audience are rooting for them from the
start. Trevor Dion Nicholas, formerly the
Genie in Aladdin when it played in the
West End a few years ago, is funny and
affable as Phil. The muses (Furbert,
Hector, Ogunbawo, Parris and Rose-Li)
steal the show here. They have arguably
the best songs to perform, but boy, do
they perform them. Their voices are
exceptional and their performances
are sublime.
I left the show feeling full of
childhood memories and happiness.
A perfect night out, for young and old!
Lucie Henry
From 20 August to 7 September, The
Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
offers a magical experience for all ages.
Marking the 75th anniversary of C.S.
Lewis’s classic novel, the production
combines puppetry, music, and
storytelling, ahead of Greta Gerwig’s
forthcoming film adaptation.
Over in Stratford, Romeo & Juliet is
reimagined by young local artists in a
co-production between Sadler’s Wells
and Stratford East. Directed by Emily
Ling Williams and Malik Nashad Sharpe,
and adapted by Kwame Owusu, the show
blends music and dance to bring
Shakespeare’s timeless story into a
modern setting.
Meanwhile, 52 Portraits, a moving
dance film series, is available to stream
free on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage.
www.sadlerswells.com
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