The much-anticipated new musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada has debuted in London, captivating its audience with a blend of high fashion, drama, and humour. Based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel and the iconic 2006 film, this production brings the glamorous yet cutthroat world of fashion to life on stage.
The show became the fastest selling show in the theatre’s history, with the largest advance, with the first 100 performances of the hit show at 100% capacity! The show will now extend again until 3 January 2026 releasing 200,000 new tickets. The huge Dominion Theatre is a hard space to fill and this show has created a sense of excitement and buzz.
Image courtesy of Mark Senior
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The musical features a stellar cast that includes some of the brightest talents in the West End.
Leading the production is the well-known actress, Vanessa Williams, who embodies the role of Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine. Known to be a multi-faceted performer, she has achieved numerous #1 and Top 10 hits on various Billboard Album and Singles charts, and has won an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe for Best Original Song: “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s Pocahontas.
Since Vanessa is no stranger to commanding the stage, her entrance and comedic timing have been highlighted as memorable moments throughout the show. From the moment she stepped on stage, Williams owned the role, delivering sharp one-liners with a regal air that left the audience in awe. Her vocal performances added a new layer to Miranda’s character, showcasing both her power and vulnerability. Vanessa perfectly embodied Mirandas’ authoritarian presence, characterised by the iciness in her tone and powerful delivery in her dialogue.
Image courtesy of Matt Crockett
Georgie Buckland as Andy Sachs embodied Andy’s transformation from an unsure, wide-eyed assistant to a confident, self-assured professional. Her solos were heartfelt and raw, drawing the audience into her emotional journey.
Matt Henry performed the role of Nigel, the creative director of Runway. Matt has received a Grammy nomination for his solo performance on The London Kinky Boots cast recording. Moreover, in 2016 he was the winner of The Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Lola in Kinky Boots. His wisdom and charisma as Nigel made him a crowd favourite, and his scenes with Andy were some of the most touching moments of the night. His voice was soulful and magnetic, elevating every song he performed.
Image courtesy of Matt Crockett
Emily, Miranda’s assistant, played by Amy Di Bartolomeo, was hilarious and sharp, stealing every scene she was in. Her comic timing was impeccable, and she added a touch of humanity to Emily’s high-strung character, making her more relatable than ever.
The direction and choreography are overseen by professionals whose names are prominent within the industry: Kevin McCollum (Avenue Q & Rent), David Furnish (Tammy Faye, Billy Elliot: The Musical) and Elton John just to name a few. Their vision helps to create an immersive experience that transports the audience into the heart of New York City’s fashion scene.
The Songs: Elton John’s Musical Magic
These songs capture the essence of the story, blending humour, drama, and the high-stakes world of fashion. The song list of this production includes:
- “I Mean Business”
- “House of Miranda”
- “I Only Love You For Your Body”
- “How to Survive at Runway”
- “Girl for the Job”
- “Dress Your Way Up”
- “Who’s That Girl?”
- “The Devil Wears Prada”
- “When a Legend is Born”
- “Suddenly, Seymour”
- “The Runway”
- “The End of Pretend”
- “I’m Not That Girl”
- “The Last Word”
- “That’s All”
“I Mean Business” serves as the opening number which perfectly sets the tone for the show. It introduces Andy’s ambitions and the high-stakes world she’s stepping into. “Who’s That Girl?” represents an important moment in the musical, this empowering song accompanies Andy’s transformation into a stylish, confident version of herself.
Image courtesy of Matt Crockett
Innovative Staging and Design
One of the standout features of this production is its innovative staging and design. The set design with its bold colours and the avant-garde costumes reflect contemporary fashion trends while paying homage to iconic styles from the past. With a cast of more than 30 and multiple costume changes throughout, this a huge show for costumes that features a mixture of brands like Versace, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Tom Ford, Chanel, Prada, Terry De Havilland, Versace, Karen Millen and more.
The integration of technology and multimedia also enhances the storytelling, incorporating projections that showcase runway shows and magazine covers, further immersing audiences in the world of fashion.
Image courtesy of Matt Crockett
Relatable themes
The production has received splendid reviews for its engaging performances and relatable themes. We are drawn into Georgie Buckland’s performance of Andy. Her struggles and achievements are shown in an authentic and inspiring way. The story emphasises the pursuit of one’s dreams, particularly in the challenging and competitive world of fashion. The combination of emotional depth and catchy musical numbers creates an experience that lingers long after you leave the theatre.
Image courtesy of Matt Crockett
A Must-See Experience
With its star-studded cast, this production promises to be a standout addition to London’s vibrant theatre scene. Whether you’re a fan of the original novel, film or simply someone who enjoys going to the theatre, this show is a must-see. The performances were exceptional, the music was sensational, and the staging and costumes transported us right into the heart of the fashion world. It’s not just a remake of the movie—It’s an original and exciting reimagining that stands apart.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or someone new to the story, this production appeals to anyone. Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, glamour, and high fashion.
“DON’T BE RIDICULOUS. EVERYBODY WANTS THIS. EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE…THEM.”
Discover more at The Devil Wears Prada: A New Musical.
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