Thelma & Louise – Review

Thelma & Louise: Young Vic, London

12th September 2026

★★★★★

Based on the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning film of the same name, writer Callie Khouri reimagines her iconic road movie, Thelma & Louise, as a brand-new musical. This long awaited new show follows Louise and her best friend Thelma on a road trip getaway as they adventure in a world where everything is against them.

Thelma & Louise is a very creative new production. The set by Christine Jones and Brett J. Banakis is so detailed and intricate. Whilst it does not change throughout the show the subtle changes in lighting enable the audience to be transported to different settings easily. The additional use of water and sand also makes the set come to life. The audience in the stalls enter via the stage and will notice little details adorning the walls on both sides which really go the extra mile. The stage is even carpeted to look like a backstreet bar. Lighting by Natasha Chivers is superb, creating different scenes, emotions and focus seamlessly throughout the show. Often the ensemble members remain onstage and the subtle lighting ensures they remain part of the action without causing a distraction.

Trip Cullman’s direction is clever and poignant. Rachel Tucker plays Louise with such passion that it is easy to get lost in the character’s heartache. Her tough exterior starts to break during the second act and the audience gets to see the true Louise. Tucker’s performance is superb – vocally she is strong throughout but it is her characterisation and relationship with Amy Lennox, who plays Thelma, that truly wins the audiences hearts. Amy Lennox is equally mesmerising as Thelma. At times, she takes on the more light-hearted role whilst still battling her inner-demons and this is done realistically with Lennox flourishing in the role. Both women lead the company brilliantly and give heartbreakingly honest and raw performances. The ensemble also work hard throughout the show with many taking on several roles. Jordan Luke Gage is excellent as the smooth JD and Trevor Dion Nicholas pulls on the heart strings as Hal as he strives to find out the true reason behind the women’s actions and secretly wills Thelma and Louise to survive.

The score by Neko Case leans towards a country feel which is in keeping with the show. It has a mixture of styles with the beginning being more upbeat and lively while progressively getting darker to suit the growing tension. There are some really emotional songs all of which are performed excellently. The score fits with the show and helps to move the story on, with some poignant moments included too, but it isn’t perhaps the most memorable. It is the performances rather than the songs/lyrics themselves which really drives the show.

Thelma & Louise is a fantastic new musical adaptation. Creative and raw – this is storytelling at its best. With sharp direction, intricate sets and an outstanding cast this new show brings Thelma & Louise to the forefront again more than thirty years after it’s film release. With women’s rights and voices being in a similar, if not worse state, it proves that it is still relevant today and the clever storytelling sucks the audience in and takes them along for the trip. Do not miss the chance to see this new production – no doubt it is heading for great things.

Thelma & Louise is running at the Young Vic until the 24th October 2026. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Helen Murray