Gird your loins - The Devil Wears Prada is in town and it’s a slick and gorgeous night out.
For those who know the iconic movie, you will not be disappointed. This stage adaptation has all the fashion of the movie, along with even more hilarity and catchy tunes.
The Devil Wears Prada follows the story of Andrea ‘Andy’ Sachs - a recent journalism graduate who has dreams of writing important stories that can define a generation. Down on her luck after countless job interviews, she finally gets a chance to be the 2nd assistant for Miranda Priestly - the fiercest fashion magazine editor-in-chief around. Supported by her fellow assistant (that’s 1st assistant to you, by the way) Emily, Andy struggles to prove herself at the magazine Runway. Andy is everything the industry is not, especially Andy’s obvious indifference towards the fashion industry. That all changes when Andy decides to stick it out, despite what everyone is saying about her being the wrong choice, and really prove them all wrong. At least for a year. Only for a year, right?
Within this production, the principal cast of Andy, Miranda and Nigel truly sparkle, just like the beautiful sequins and jewels you’d see on any runway. Georgie Buckland is absolutely heartwarmingly fantastic as Andy. She brilliantly combines all the heart and earnestness of Andy - making us truly fall in love with her even when she goes on to make some pretty bad decisions. Matt Henry as Nigel is just gorgeous. Matt’s stunning vocals and heartfelt performance, particularly in Act II, leave you breathless and stand out as the true powerhouse of the show. Hearing Matt perform the song Seen, where he talks about being a gay kid growing up in the South and seeing a Runway for the first time - it was both heartbreaking and uplifting. And the devil in Prada takes the form of one Vanessa Williams. And Vanessa doesn’t disappoint. Vanessa is gorgeously styled in this, both in her clothes and in the way she portrays Miranda. She brings such gravitas and assuredness to the role, demanding our attention just as Meryl Streep had done in the movie. Vanessa hits all the right notes, both vocally and emotionally, particularly in her second act moment where she finally shows a bit of vulnerability and also cut throatedness. Vanessa exudes confidence and delivers this iconic role in a different yet perfectly aligned way.
The remaining supporting characters also steal hilarious and beautiful moments on stage. Amy Di Baretolomeo is absolutely beautiful, hilarious and vocally powerful as Emily. You find yourself rooting for Emily throughout - hoping she gets her dream, knowing she won’t, and hoping she finds a better life. And Rhys Whitfield as Nate, plays both the supportive and confused boyfriend - as he struggles to support Andy in this journey, but also feels they are growing apart. His portrayal of Nate helps to really ground the show in reality, when things often feel larger than life around him.
On top of the fantastic acting and singing, a moment must be given to the design. Elton John’s music in this show is both catchy and varied, and feels classic in many ways. We will anxiously await a cast recording, so we can all enjoy the bop that is ‘House of Miranda’. Lastly, a moment to highlight the beautiful costuming in this show. Being a show about the fashion industry, I did expect beautiful clothes. But costume designer Gregg Barnes really pulled out all the stops. The dresses, particularly in the ball scene, are simply gorgeous and inspired. And every costume of Miranda’s works perfectly, hitting home that the Devil does in fact wear Prada. And stilettos.
Lastly, the Dominion Theatre is decked out for this show. I recommend coming at least 30 minutes early so you can have a look around at all the things on display. And be sure to make your way to the circle, where there are a few photo ops you won’t want to miss!
Overall, this West End production is musical theatre at its most classic. Will this show make you discover new things about the world around you? Probably not. Will this show entertain and dazzle you for a night out? Absolutely yes.
The Devil Wears Prada is currently running at the Dominion Theatre until 31st May 2025.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Matt Crockett and Mark Senior
