The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Review

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Ambassadors Theatre, London

22nd October 2024

★★★★★

After an initial run at Southwark Playhouse in 2019 and a sell-out revival last year, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button now begins its West End run. This is a story of a small show with big ideas and is so deserving of its successes. Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby and The Tender and the Damned, and subsequent film starring Brad Pitt. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is set during the First World War and tells the story of a love that defies all odds. Trapped in a body where he doesn’t belong – a body where he ages in reverse, Benjamin Button dreams of freedom, adventure and, most of all, love. Finally, after meeting local girl Elowen Keene their lives begin to move in reverse and when war calls Benjamin across the seas, time is not their only enemy.

Fans of its previous incarnations will not be disappointed as the creative team have worked tirelessly rearranging and reworking this beautiful musical to bring it back to the stage even bigger, better and more emotive than before. With the production moving from a small space to a larger West End theatre it may have lost some of its charm and intimacy but this has not happened at all. In fact, if anything the intricate harmonies reverberate around the auditorium and fill the space gloriously and the story fills each corner of the theatre. Darren Clark’s music is full of charm and heart and manages to draw influences from Celtic folk, sea shanty’s and more modern influences such as Mumford and Sons, mixes together effortlessly to create an innovative, outstanding score. With clever lyrics, stunningly beautiful a capella moments and even some Cornish thrown in this musical stands out from the others currently taking centre stage. The cast all play their own instruments and this makes the music even more powerful and the rich layers are beautiful. It is unique in its approach; fresh and creative.

Jethro Compton’s idea to set this production in a small Cornish fishing village within living memory makes the show even more relatable. With the folklore and mythology often associated with Cornwall it also makes for the perfect setting. The multi layered set is extremely similar to previous productions and works brilliantly. The high rake in the stage makes sure that the actors can be seen from anywhere in the auditorium and The Ambassador’s Theatre is small enough to still feel close to the action. and the use of wooden crates and planks being the only main props is simple yet effective. As in previous productions, the set is made from salvaged items, washed ashore in North Cornwall with the help of the Cleaner Seas Project. These items helps transports the audience to a rustic Cornish village with the rough wood floors, wooden crates, fishing baskets and rope. The stunning lighting, by Zoe Spurr, enhances the show and makes it even more mythical and engaging. Anna Kesley’s costumes are exquisite and cleverly adapted to show the passing of time, particularly in the case of Benjamin himself in his own unique way. The detailed garments have become even more intricate with references to the Cornwall sea, sky and nature with the palette being very natural and the embroidery of urchin, moss and flowers.

The story is beautifully told throughout by an extremely talented cast, some of whom have been with the production since its debut. Not only this but they also play all of the accompaniment using various traditional instruments including the violin, fiddle, drum, piano, accordion and cello. Each cast member plays multiple roles and remain onstage throughout the show – proving that they are truly athletes. The emotion portrayed during the show is second to none and each cast member remains fully in character for the entire piece. John Dagleish is a wonderful Benjamin Button. He has just the right comic timing to deliver some of the witty comments but also shows his emotion and grief visibly. Vocally, he is strong and manages to show Benjamin’s journey beautifully. Clare Foster is lively and enigmatic as Elowen. Of the remaining cast a mention must go to Philippa Hogg who has been with the production since the very beginning and is a joy to watch onstage. Each and every member of the cast are excellent in their storytelling, not only when they are centre stage but as the ‘strangers’ and their reactions to the story unfolding.

Every element has been thought through during this production. Constant references to the years, months, days, minutes and even seconds highlight the passing of time always. In fact, one of the most memorable songs entitled ‘Matter of Time’ highlights just that: time is something we all have. We cannot speed it up, nor slow it down. But instead we should make the most of the time we have. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a prime example of what theatre can do. It takes the audience on a journey both emotionally and through time and does so extremely well. This production is simply stunning and is so deserving of its successes. Unique in its style, it is moving, charming and heart-warming – do not miss the chance to see this gorgeous musical.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is currently playing at the Ambassadors Theatre with booking until February 2025. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner