Muriel's Wedding
Having never seen the film (I know, unforgiveable!), it was with an undisputed expectation and a rich intrigue that we arrived at Leicester’s Curve Theatre last night for new musical Muriel’s Wedding.
Adapted for the stage by PJ Hogan, who wrote the original screenplay, and directed by Simon Phillips, the production opens with a colourful musical number, with lively music and lyrics by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall and playful choreography by Andrew Hallsworth. The costume design by Gabriela Tylesova is eclectic, but fun and diverse throughout and a delight for the eyes.
The story follows Muriel, stuck in a dead-end life, in the dead-end town of Porpoise Spit. She dreams of her wedding, the perfect dress, the church, the attention, only problem is she’s missing one vital part …. the groom! As she runs away to Sydney to follow her dreams, she finally gets everything she could have wanted, or does she, in fact, risk losing everything she doesn’t realise she already has?
Megan Ellis stars as the titular Muriel Heslop. It’s an impressive performance from the start and she delivers her songs beautifully, encompassing her characters insecurities shamelessly.
Annabel Marlow plays Rhonda, Muriel’s new best friend. This is a quirky, likeable character who brings out the best in Muriel and the pair have some nice moments, particularly during their performance of ‘Amazing.’
Muriel’s parents Bill and Betty, played by Darren Day and Laura Medforth respectively, are great contrasting characters, him the dastardly husband and her the oppressed wife.
Bronte Alice-Tadman (Frida), Jamie Doncaster (Bjorn), Jasmine Hackett (Agnetha) and Aaron Tsindos (Benny) appear as ABBA, Muriel’s ‘inner strength,’ and this is a nice addition to the piece with ABBA songs thrown in the mix of original score too.
The ensemble are kept relentlessly busy with countless costume and wig changes throughout and special mention must go to Sophie Linder-Lee and Lena Pattie Jones for their brilliantly comical performances.
This is undoubtedly a story of friendship. A story of self-discovery and growth. A story about realising that the very thing you are looking for was there all the time, you just needed to be looking in the right places, and whether you watch this production just for its easy comical value or whether it resonates with you on a deeper level, (either through Muriel’s or Betty’s circumstances), it’s guaranteed to provide an entertaining experience.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd April 2025 at the Curve Theatre, Leicester where it runs until the 10th May 2025. Tickets available here: Muriel's Wedding - Curve Theatre, Leicester
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
You can watch our interview with Annabel Marlow from the cast here: https://youtu.be/XrEKGGgjNGc?si=R2jecLH_yWN-wz8K
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.