From the genius mind of Elton John comes a musical that any fan of the The Devil Wears Prada should be lining up to see. The show has an original score by the pop legend, as well as lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, book by Kate Wetherhead with direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. A version of the musical first debuted two years ago amid the COVID-19 break-out at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago, but after a failed take-off it went away and rebooted, coming back bigger and better for the West End. Seeing as the original run had 24 coronavirus cases among cast and crew on opening night, this production was hardly going to be worse.
Two decades after the tantalising book by Lauren Weisberger— the assistant to Anna Wintour— became the hit movie starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, comes a soon-to-be-hit musical. While the cast do an excellent job of leaving their mark on the beloved institution that is The Devil Wears Prada, there’s one cast member that rises above the rest.
Amy Di Bartolomeo plays Emily, Miranda's highly strung first assistant, and she steals this production. She even lives up to Emily Blunt’s iconic portrayal, a feat we didn’t even know was possible. Amy both embodies the original character that fans know and love, while also adding her own edge. Her incredible voice elevates the entire production and stands out amongst a crowd of very talented singers and 'strutters' — there aren’t too many dance numbers that exceed a fast walk or a sashay.
The lead — played by Georgie Buckland, who at times is doing a somewhat convincing Anne Hathaway impression— shines once she begins to sing. Although she sports a questionable wig, her talent is undeniable. Although Anne Hathaway was never big to begin with in the film, Georgie is even smaller, leading a lot of the outdated fat jokes to be replaced with ‘Polly Pocket’ quips.
Vanessa Williams is used somewhat sparingly, although when she is on stage, she fully embodies the role of Miranda Priestly. The costumes alone make this production worth seeing, and she is seen sporting enviable gowns and fitted blazers throughout the show. She brings her Wilhelmina Slater charm to the role and it’s a true meeting of worlds for Ugly Betty and TDWP fans. By her side, Matt Henry is a delight as Nigel, and although nobody can live up to Stanley Tucci’s sass, Matt is definitely the stronger singer, as seen in his ballad in act two.
Rhys Whitfield is ever so slightly wasted on the character of Nate, but any Devil Wears Prada fan knows that this isn’t Nate’s story. However, fans of the film who sit firmly in the ‘Nate is the true villain’ category may have less to hold onto in this version as the story is given a somewhat more sparkling third act.
Overall, if you have ever watch The Devil Wears Prada and wished it was just that bit camper, then this is the show for you.
You can buy tickets to see The Devil Wears Pradaat The Dominion Theatre. The show will run from now to 18 October 2025.
Sarah O'Byrne is a writer at Bauer Media, regularly contributing to heat, Closer, Grazia, Bella, Yours and Crime Monthly. She wants to be an Emily, but sadly she's more like an Andie.