Notes From Row H

West End Theatre Review – The Ambassadors Theatre

Created and written by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button initially played at the Southwark Playhouse and following a very successful run there, transferred to the Ambassador’s Theatre in October 2024. 

At its core, this musical revolves around Benjamin Button as he navigates the mysterious predicament of aging backwards. Set when World War One is ending and covering major events in the 20^th Century like the Apollo Moon Landing and World War Two, this musical moves away from the short story written by F Scott Fitzgerald in 1922, and is set in a Cornish fishing village. At its centre, it is a love story between Benjamin Button and a Cornish bar maid, Elowen, (played by John Dalgliesh and Clare Foster respectively), which is narrated by The Strangers, who guide the audience through Benjamin’s life. This gives the show an enchanting and traditional folky feel – which makes the viewing experience magical and enthralling.

There is often talk about the so-called ‘Triple Threat’, and if ever there was a time to use the term, it would be to describe the insanely talented group of actor-muso performers that make up the company of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I have never seen such incredible work than I did on that stage: the ensemble were here there and everywhere, often playing instruments whilst singing beautiful songs and dancing – all the while telling a beautiful, funny, heartwarming, and at times heart wrenching story of time, love, and loss. 

Compton and Clark’s music, score and storytelling are woven together in a beautiful way, and they are lovely such ear worms that you won’t mind singing them day in day out! The set, which is also designed by Compton, immerses the audience in the Cornish fishing village and is very cleverly used when the scene changes to the local pub The Pickled Crab, boats, or Benjamin’s house. Sometimes it is very refreshing to have a musical that does not have scene changes and requires the audience to use their imagination – it really immerses you in the story.   

This show has put actor-muso shows back on the West End where it belongs, and I hope that, in the future, more shows like this are able to showcase such talent that this ensemble has. It is quite frankly one of the best pieces of theatre I have ever seen.

Written by Helena Featherstone