Review: Sinatra (Aldwych Theatre)
While everyone knows Frank Sinatra's legendary anthem "New York, New York," Sinatra The Musical is a brand new show based on the real-life story of the famous American singer.
Let’s go back to New Year's Eve, 1942, when Frank Sinatra was performing in New York at only 27 years old. As he steps on stage, even though the audience is loving his music and he is giving the absolute best of himself, something is off. His head isn’t completely with the music; it is back home with his wife and family. Throughout the story, we get to know him, his life, and the intense ups and downs of managing a wildly successful career in the music industry.
Joel Harper-Jackson stars as Frank Sinatra, with Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner, Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra, and the Olivier Award-winning Jenna Russell as Frank’s mother, Dolly Sinatra.
The company is completed by: Oliver Adam-Reynolds (Nat King Cole/Ensemble), Becky Anderson (Lana Turner/Ensemble), Carl Au (Lee Mortimer/Ensemble), Sam Brown (Tommy Dorsey/Ensemble), Helen Colby (Hedda Hopper/Ensemble), Emma Crossley (Swing), Adam Davidson (Gene Kelly/Ensemble), Alexander Day (Swing and Dance Captain), Christopher GoPaul (Swing), Stuart Hickey (Swing), Jenna Innes (Judy Garland/Ensemble), Marty Maguire (Marty Sinatra), Mia Musakembeva (Ensemble), Melissa Nettleford (Billie Holiday/Ensemble), Samuel Nicholas (Ensemble), Nardia Ruth (Swing), Christina Shand (Swing and Assistant Dance Captain), John Stacey (Mitch Miller/Harry Cohn/Ensemble), Allana Taylor (Marlene Dietrich/Ensemble), and Lee Zarrett (George Evans).
Sylvie Regan, Mia Savident, and Felicity Walton share the role of Little Nancy.
Sinatra The Musical is an absolutely fabulous production. Going into the theatre, I wouldn't necessarily have called myself a fan of Frank Sinatra, and to be completely honest, learning his actual life story through this show reveals he wasn’t the most exemplary man. However, given the context of a highly successful, powerful man in the 1950s entertainment industry, his behaviour unfortunately tracks.
What is most impressive about the production is the narrative pacing. Even though I lacked background knowledge regarding his personal life, the storytelling never feels sluggish or unnecessary. The script does an excellent job balancing the heavy drama of his career with lighter, genuinely funny moments, refusing to shy away from Sinatra's more difficult and unlikable tendencies while still keeping the audience fully entertained.
Overall, this is a massive, high-end production that hits every mark. The musical numbers are absolutely fabulous—featuring some of his most iconic hits performed with incredible live energy. Anchored by a stellar cast and elevated by truly amazing, high-energy dance routines, the show holds your attention from start to finish.
Sinatra the Musical is playing at the Aldwych Theatre in London until 10 April 2027. Book your tickets here: London Box Office
Star rating: ★★★★
