Aldwych Theatre, London.
24 June 2026.
It’s the hottest day of the year so far, oppressively hot, especially in the city, and train delays and cancellations unfortunately lead to a stressful last-minute arrival at the Aldwych Theatre, but thankfully just in time.
Sinatra The Musical gives high energy from the outset as the front curtain became a bird’s eye video, sweeping across New York City, through the doors of Paramount Studios and onstage where Frank Sinatra turns to the audience, backed by a spectacular orchestra, who played throughout the show, but were visible only at times – brought forward and back effectively on a moving platform at the back of the stage.
Joel Harper-Jackson in the title role of Frank Sinatra was entirely convincing in his representation of the iconic singer and actor, with a voice that grew and a great rapport between both of his leading ladies – Phoebe Panaretos as Nancy Sinatra and Ana Villafañe as Ava Gardner. Both women were strong and believable in their respective roles, and impressive in their vocals; it felt as though the depth and richness of their voices spoke of their character strength and depth as well, particularly Nancy.
An entertaining and very watchable musical, thought-provoking and highlighting the downfalls of fame, or of chasing it, or of living beyond your means. The set design was fantastically well thought out with scenery flying swiftly in or out, tables, chairs and other props carried on by dancers, seamlessly and continuously, keeping attention well held. Projected newspaper cuttings made moments hit with greater impact, or deeper poignancy. A couple of standout short scenes were the love triangle between Nancy, Frank and Ava. They each strolled separately through the streets wearing rain macs and singing individually about their situation, before joining together in an emotional trio standing in a triangle formation. And I enjoyed the scene with Frank and Billie Holiday – Melissa Nettleford – meeting for a drink and discussing how they know how to put emotion into their songs.
Perhaps one of the most surprising things to emerge this evening was that Frank Sinatra did not appear to have been a very nice character. It was sad watching his first wife Nancy bring up their children alone, after he left her following some high-profile affairs that he embarked on as soon as he arrived in Hollywood, eventually falling in love with Ava Gardner.
Bedroom scenes detailing those affairs were very cleverly portrayed, often with beds sideways on, one either side of the stage and a phone on the bedside tables where Frank, in bed with another woman, would speak to Nancy on the phone. And later, he would call Ava who was away filming, she giving him a taste of his own medicine, appearing with other lovers in ‘publicity photos’. It left quite a unpleasant taste watching him disrespect and reject Nancy and his family, especially as we’d also seen their earlier chemistry, laughing and dancing together, declaring their love and longevity, before his rise to fame.
A flirtatious and humorous number “Nice and Easy Does it Every Time” as Ava laid down the rules for their new relationship. “All of me, why not take all of me,” was sung mournfully as Frank was left by Ava and dropped by his agent. Some flamboyant show dancing entertained us throughout the show, nothing very technical, but enjoyable with great energy. Nicely staged, with couples dancing in the background, and wedding guests breaking into song supporting, sometimes by surprise, the onstage story. And like many musicals before, there was successful retelling of Frank’s story, his rise to fame and the good and bad bits alongside, plus his career slump, his neediness and eventual climb back up, told via his music and carefully chosen songs intertwining with and supporting the action on stage. Particularly effective was “Fly me to the Moon,” sung by Frank, Ava and wedding guests, as they exchanged vows and celebrated together. Mia Savident, as little Nancy, was also charming with a clear tuneful voice.
A strong ending followed later, with Nancy standing up to Frank, telling him he couldn’t keep coming running to her in between his wives and girlfriends. He left then, their outstretched hands brushing past one another, telling a deeper story. A magnetically entertaining evening.
By Louise Ryrie of Dance Informa.
