Midnight – Review

Midnight: Sadler’s Wells East, London

15th November 2025

Midnight is a new musical from Todrick Hall. Having previously only been performed twice to closed audiences, this marks the first time that general public get a glimpse of the show which is being performed by a full cast in workshop form. Set in America’s South during the nineteenth century, it is a story of love, conflict, and the search for understanding. In addition to writing the show and score, Todrick Hall is also directing, choreographing and starring in the show alongside a star-filled cast for just seven performances.

This performance was much more than just a workshop. Everything had been thought of from the stunning costumes, to the lighting and clever minimalistic set. This brand new musical has huge potential and certainly deserves a future on the stage. Its message about equality and walking a mile in somebody else’s footsteps is so relevant right now, despite the fact that the show is actually set during the American slave trade. Similar to Hamilton, Midnight is a period piece and yet it feels very contemporary.

Todrick Hall’s choreography is simply superb and is performed beautifully by the hugely talented ensemble cast. The dance sections draw inspiration from different genres including ballet and contemporary and cleverly fit the narrative. Movement around the stage is slick and adds to the music, dynamics and emotion. This production has a lot of cast members and yet each of them is utilised brilliantly and the stage does not feel overcrowded in any scene. 

The score has got some catchy numbers and again takes root in different genres. The use of repeated lyrics and reprisals works really well and despite the fact that the show is sung through it doesn’t feel hard to follow at all. The emotion is heartfelt and realistic with Jeremy Beloate particularly standing out during the second act along with Ailsa Davidson and, of course, Todrick Hall himself. As said before this is a superbly talented cast and each performer is vocally strong and with every song being performed with power and conviction. 

Midnight’s storyline is moving and relevant to today’s society. The concept of having the actors come on stage and get dressed into their costumes and the roles that they take straight away sets the tone and makes the message clear that we are all just taking on a role in life that is given to us depending on our circumstances whether we were born female or male, rich or poor, black or white. This is particularly impactful during the second act when roles are reversed. 

Direction from Todrick Hall is great and whilst the first act in particular could be shortened and reworked, overall the show moves a good pace with enough drama and time spent on each character for the audience to truly emphasise with them. Currently the show runs about three hours which feels too long, however it is a working progress and with some editing this new musical definitely has a future. 

With an emotional score, superb choreography and a clever plot, Midnight delivers both a fantastic performance and a much needed message. In a climate where jukebox and movie musicals seem to be increasing it is absolutely brilliant to see a brand new musical take to the stage. This certainly has all the makings of a huge success – definitely one to watch out for!

Midnight performed at Sadler’s Wells East, London for a strictly limited workshop run from Tuesday 11th November until Saturday 15th November. To find out more about the show, the creatives and cast click here.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith