Marie Curie: A New Musical – Review

Marie Curie: A New Musical: Charing Cross Theatre, London

15th June 2024

★★★★★ 

After an initial production in 2018, this Korean musical has been translated and adapted for an English stage. Marie Curie: A New Musical tells the story and struggle of Marie Curie and raises some ethical questions about Science.

The storytelling in this production directed by Sarah Meadows, is excellent. Ailsa Davidson’s subtle emotions and dedicated stance as Marie Curie sets the tone just right as the woman who had to fight to be heard and who devoted her entire life to science. Vocally, Ailsa Davidson is superb. She has the strength and power needed and yet still shows vulnerability when needed. The ensemble cast really help to keep this production going as the audience is shown Marie’s initial enrolment as the only woman in school until she is faced with the dilemma of whether her newly found element, Radium, could be the cause for many deaths of factory workers. The ensemble cast take on the role of many characters and each member is embodies the character they are playing at that set time. Chrissie Bhima lights up the stage as fresh faced Anne, heading to Paris to save money to buy her own farm. Her journey from the start of the show to her failing health towards the end is portrayed excellently, with some scenes being almost hard to watch due to her convincing commitment to the role. She is vocally strong and her voice matches and works with Ailsa Davidson well on the duets.

The set design by Rose Montgomery is cleverly used to convert between Curie’s laboratory and other important places such as the radium factory and hospital where Curie’s discovery is put to the test. The multi-levelled stage works well to create these different spaces. The lighting, by Prema Mehta, is simple and effective. The use silhouettes during some scenes also works well, as does the clever inclusion of Marie Curie’s handwritten diary which is projected into the backdrop (Matt Powell). The writers have tried to ensure all of the scientific elements are as factually correct as possible, making this musical not only engaging but also a true representation of Marie Curie’s life and discoveries.

The score, written by Seeun Choun and Jongyoon Choi, has a fairly classical musical theatre feel and is performed brilliantly by the talented cast. The songs are emotional and help to express Curie’s devotion to Science as well as feelings of not being enough. The score utilises slower paced songs and music and the use of a 7-part orchestra really helps to fill the auditorium.

Whilst Marie Curie may have lived a hundred years ago, what she discovered is still used today. Her commitment to discovering Radium and how it could be used for good really stands the test of time and makes her stand out as one of the best female scientists ever. There are, of course, dilemmas which come with science however without these early discoveries many thousands of lives would not have been saved. For that, Marie Curie will always be remembered and her dedication certainly paid off. Marie Curie: A New Musical is a riveting story which draws the audience in with its compelling storytelling, emotional score and strong acting. It is certainly a must see this summer.

Marie Curie: A New Musical is playing at Charing Cross Theatre until the 28th July 2024. For information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith