Review: THRILL ME, Waterloo East

Starring Rufus Kampa and Jamie Kaye, Thrill Me opens with a prisoner addressing the audience directly, pleading his case for freedom after more than 30 years behind bars for what was once dubbed the crime of the century. From there, the story unravels through flashbacks, charting his intense and deeply toxic relationship with Richard. Two young men in Chicago whose bond spirals into something dangerous and dark.

What’s most compelling is how that relationship develops on stage. The chemistry between the actors starts off cold, almost detached, before gradually warming into something far more unsettling, a dynamic that is both disturbing and, at times, unexpectedly funny. Their connection evolves into something disturbingly transactional, even formalised through a “contract”, which adds a layer of dark humour without the show ever taking itself too seriously. That tonal balance keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The score is standout, jazzy, period-appropriate, and full of cleverly written, catchy songs, all underscored by a live piano that really sets the mood. There are moments where you might crave a bit more variation in rhythm or style, but it largely works within the world of the piece. The performances vocally are incredibly strong, and even when the acoustics or sound balance aren’t quite perfect, the quality of the singing carries it through.

Where the piece feels slightly limited is in its character depth. For much of the show, the two leads come across as somewhat one-dimensional, and you’re left wanting a deeper exploration of their motivations. The story can feel a little predictable, almost too neat in its progression, but just as that feeling settles in, the final twist lands and reframes everything, offering a layer of insight that had been missing.

By the end, what seemed like a straightforward tale of manipulation and obsession becomes something more ambiguous. Just when you think you know who to root for, the show reminds you that relationships can be both destructive and deceptive in ways that aren’t always obvious.

It’s a slick, well-performed production with sharp writing and memorable music, even if it plays things a little safely at times, it knows exactly how to leave an impression.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Beatriz Ferreira

Thrill Me plays at London’s Waterloo East Theatre until 10 May, with further info here.

Photo credit: Robert Piwko