The Devil Wears Prada has finally arrived in the West End, gracing the Dominion Theatre with its high-fashion flair and star power. Vanessa Williams takes on the iconic role of Miranda Priestly, stepping into the high stilettos of the character made famous by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film. While Williams delivers a commanding performance, blending icy disdain with ruthless charisma, her portrayal leans more towards the traditional villain than the nuanced editor fans may recall.
The musical, boasting a creative team including Elton John and Jerry Mitchell, had its world premiere in Chicago in 2022 before its UK debut. Despite the pedigree, the production struggles to capture the stylish essence of the fashion world. The costumes, while eye-catching, often feel overly garish and lack the sophistication one would expect in a tale of haute couture. Similarly, the set design occasionally falls flat in the expansive Dominion Theatre, though moments like the Met Gala staircase provide glimpses of grandeur.
Georgie Buckland shines as Andy Sachs, bringing more agency to the character than in the original film. Her powerful solos, “Miranda Girl” and “What’s Right For Me?”, offer emotional depth, while Rhys Whitfield’s Nate avoids the toxic traits of his film counterpart. Amy Di Bartolomeo steals scenes as Emily, with campy numbers like “Bon Voyage” delivering some of the musical’s most memorable moments.
Though Act I races through iconic film moments, Act II finds more breathing room, showcasing standout performances like Matt Henry’s heartfelt solo, “Seen.” Ultimately, the musical doesn’t reinvent the story but offers a fun, nostalgic evening for fans of the film and a chance to see Vanessa Williams strut her stuff in style.
