Review: Disney’s FROZEN, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Here it is Besties. The big one. The global phenomenon. The film that has touched the hearts of millions around the world, with its charming characters and heart stopping songs, of course it’s Frozen! The big question on everyone’s lips; is its transfer from screen to stage a resounding SUCCESS or a money-fuelled MESS. STOP THE PRESS.
Upon entering the auditorium, expectation and excitement shimmers around the room emanating from adults and children alike; everyone can tell they are in for something special and we can safely say, it does not disappoint. For those of you who have been hiding under a rock these last few years, Frozen is a very loose interpretation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen, set in a fictional kingdom called Arendelle. The story follows the journey of two sisters Anna and Elsa, who are both princesses, through an adventure of magic, self acceptance, love, and learning to appreciate the friends and family you have around you.
First and foremost, Christopher Oram’s set and Neil Austin’s lighting design are the most ambitious and sensational feats we have ever seen onstage. Mixed with Finn Ross’ stunning video design and revolutionary special effects from Jeremy Chernick, they truly make you believe in magic. We would watch this show again for the ice castle transformation during ‘Let It Go’ alone! When the lights come up for the interval, our jaws needed to be lifted up off the floor.
As well as being a visual masterpiece, the show has also been superbly cast; a particular stand out being Stephanie McKeon as Anna. She portrays all of the wonder and hope that the character needs, is effortlessly likeable and leaves the audience smiling throughout. On this point, Craig Gallivan is also an absolute joy to watch in the fan favourite role of Olaf, with the giddy snowman and Sven the Reindeer’s puppetry design by Michael Curry being some of the best we’ve seen.
Samantha Barks undoubtedly has the most pressure and the shiniest shoes to fill, playing the role of Elsa; after all, if she forgets the words to ‘Let It Go’ then there would be hundreds of children in the audience (also dressed as Elsa) who would sing the lyrics back. Fortunately, Barks is absolutely transcendent to watch and brings a very adult interpretation to a character whose mantra is “conceal don’t feel”. It’s a difficult task to play someone so reserved, whilst every other character gets to be so expressive, but Barks is the ideal ice queen for the task.
Oliver Ormson and Obioma Ugoala are both great to watch in their respective roles of Hans and Kristoff. The cast are oozing with talent and with some more time to shoulder the pressures of doing a show with so much expectation, and fully finding their characters, we feel the whole cast are going to be a fabulous frozen fellowship.
The songs were what truly made this piece famous originally and the songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are bigger and better than ever onstage, with some welcome new additions to the score, though it must be said, it is absolutely the original songs that shine brightest.
Leaving the theatre with everyone shaking the snowflakes out of their hair, there is an overwhelming, heartwarming feeling because after two years filled with so much suffocating stress, we could all do with a little bit of magic, and we can think of no better place to find that than at this production.
A snow-filled smash hit.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: James Edge
Frozen is currently booking until June 2022. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.
