Review: BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL, Prince Edward Theatre
Well Besties, there’s a new diva in town… and he comes from beyond the grave. Beetlejuice the Musical has stormed into the West End’s stunning Prince Edward Theatre, where it can truly call itself “home”.
Having already enjoyed huge success on Broadway under the inspired direction of Alex Timbers, it’s now London’s turn to mourn everyone’s favourite “best fiend” - and judging by the electric reaction from the press night audience, the grieving process is set to continue well beyond its current booking period, by whatever means possible.
The musical follows gothic teenager Lydia Deetz, who is struggling with grief after the loss of her mother. Moving into a haunted house with her father, Lydia encounters recently deceased couple Barbara and Adam Maitland, alongside the chaotic and wildly inappropriate demon Beetlejuice. Desperate to be seen again, Beetlejuice teams up with Lydia to unleash supernatural chaos on the living world, resulting in outrageous comedy, heartfelt emotion, and an unexpectedly touching story about family, loss, and belonging.
Scott Brown and Anthony King’s book brilliantly captures the spirit of the beloved film, while Eddie Perfect’s gloriously varied score shifts effortlessly from comedic showstoppers to emotional ballads, constantly enhancing the storytelling. At times, the production leans into caricature and pantomime-style humour, but this only adds to the anarchic charm of the piece.
David Korins’ set design beautifully separates reality from the Netherworld, while Kenneth Posner’s lighting moves seamlessly from moody, ethereal states to full-blown party atmosphere - particularly during the iconic ‘Day-O’, which you’ll almost certainly leave humming. Jeremy Chernick’s special effects, combined with Michael Weber’s illusions, create genuinely jaw-dropping moments throughout. Even from just five rows back in the Stalls, the production’s visual spectacle remains hugely impressive.
William Ivey Long’s costumes are brilliantly detailed, from Lydia’s gothic black dress to Beetlejuice’s iconic striped suit, contrasting these monochrome palettes with vibrant bursts of colour during scenes such as the Maitlands’ everyday outfits, and those worn during Charles’ dinner party, and the wonderfully wacky ‘Visa’ wedding.
Connor Gallagher’s choreography thrives during the larger ensemble numbers, all performed with tremendous energy to Eddie Perfect’s score by the excellent 11-piece orchestra under the musical direction of Jim Henson. While the sound mix occasionally struggles during some of the busiest ensemble moments, it’s a very minor flaw in an otherwise technically outstanding production.
And then there’s the cast, expertly assembled by Harry Blumenau.
David Fynn is sensational in the title role, perfectly balancing Beetlejuice’s razor-sharp wit and outrageous innuendo with surprising flashes of vulnerability. His musical theatre references land brilliantly, and his chemistry with Hannah Nordberg’s Lydia is exceptional. Together, they are arguably one of the strongest leading pairings currently in the West End.
Nordberg, making her West End debut, is a genuine revelation. From the powerhouse vocals of ‘Dead Mom’ to the emotional depth she brings to ‘Home’, she commands the stage throughout. It’s astonishing to think this is her first major musical role, and it feels certain this production will catapult her into a very exciting career in this genre if she chooses.
David Hunter and Chelsea Halfpenny bring warmth and charm to Adam and Barbara Maitland, contrasting perfectly with Beetlejuice’s chaos, while Aimie Atkinson delivers some of the evening’s biggest laughs with impeccable comic timing as Delia. Chasity Crisp also deserves special mention as Juno, giving a wonderfully eccentric performance that is impossible to take your eyes off.
Besties, we could keep going, but one thing is certain - get yourselves down to the Prince Edward Theatre, because this is one wake you absolutely won’t want to miss.
A gloriously chaotic, visually spectacular triumph - Beetlejuice is the most fun you can have in the afterlife.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Beetlejuice is currently booking at London’s Prince Edward Theatre until 17 April 2027, with tickets available here:
Photo credit: Johan Persson
