42nd Street
One of my biggest flexes in life is being able to say I’ve seen 42nd Street on actual 42nd Street in New York, and it was then, and remains to be one of my favourite musicals from that bygone era where big Broadway shows are front and centre with all the glitz and glamour of the big screen catapulted onto a stage for a live audience. Therefore, a trip to the stunning Kilworth House Theatre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire to see their interpretation of this classic filled me with joy, and when a show provides you with multiple goosebump moments then it’s clearly going to be a standout!
Firstly, I must sing the praises of Kilworth House Theatre, an outdoor venue set in the most beautiful surroundings, and on this especially warm afternoon it was a very nice touch for the theatre to have provided every single audience member with a bottle of water ready and waiting for us as we took our seats. You are able to walk right past the stage and take in the intricacy of the design by Philip Witcomb. It sets the scene for 1930s Broadway with impressive set pieces that are used extremely well during the show.
As soon as the overture starts, played by the most exquisite orchestra under the musical direction of Rick Coates, the goosebumps start as we hear such infectious, big songs ringing out around the space. I am already 100% engrossed in what transpires to be one of the best productions I’ve seen of this musical. 42nd Street is synonymous with big tap routines, and nothing pleases me more than the sound of extremely talented performers making the most beautiful, in sync sound as they dance around the stage. Choreographer Lee Proud has completely understood the need for big production numbers and delivered them in abundance with showstopping numbers ‘Dames’, ‘We’re In The Money’ and of course ‘42nd Street’.
Leading the cast as Peggy Sawyer and Julian Marsh are Mia Kobayashi and Lewis Griffiths respectively. Both of their performances were outstanding with Kobayashi embodying the mild and meek Peggy as she embarks on her journey into a Broadway show and blossoms into the leading lady. Her vocals were sublime, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch her interpretation of this role. Griffiths played the stern, serious work horse Julian Marsh with aplomb, executing many fantastic moments of authority. The chemistry between the pair was the icing on the cake.
Another standout performer came in the shape of Brian Ô’Muirí as Billy Lawlor. The energy supplied throughout the show was first class, which matched the incredible vocal talent especially during ‘Dames’. Brian is definitely a confident and talented performer able to command a stage. Rosie Strobel as Maggie Jones and TJ Lloyd as Bert Barry provided moments of humour, and again sensational vocals……yes this cast it awash with talent as you may have guessed.
Costuming by Philip Witcomb did not disappoint with a fantastic gold sequin number elevating the show to something extra special. I cannot say any louder that this production has everything you want out of a classic. If you buy one ticket to see a show over the next couple of weeks, make sure you shuffle off to buffalo, or Kilworth House Theatre, to see this outstanding production of 42nd Street!
This production was reviewed on the 29th June 2025 at the Kilworth House Theatre, Lutterworth, Leicestershire where it's currently running until the 13th July 2025. Get your tickets here: 42nd Street - Kilworth House Theatre
Review written by Emma Rowley
AD/Gifted
Photo credit : Fox Corporate Photography
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.