The UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen at Mayflower Theatre is a must-see, blending stunning performances with a powerful soundtrack that resonates deeply.
Southampton: Wow, where do I even start? The cast of Dear Evan Hansen is just phenomenal! The soundtrack? Absolutely outstanding! Honestly, I think this show is already a highlight of my year, and it’s only January.
So, if you didn’t know, Dear Evan Hansen took Broadway by storm back in 2016. It’s racked up a ton of awards, including Tonys and Grammys, all thanks to its brilliant performances and that unforgettable soundtrack.
This tour really lives up to the hype. It brings that West End magic right to regional theatres. I caught the West End version just before it closed in 2022, and I can honestly say this tour is just as good, if not better!
Ryan Kopel plays Evan, the anxious teen who gets caught up in a huge lie. He’s just amazing! Following in the footsteps of Ben Platt and Sam Tutty is no easy feat, but Kopel nails it.
Evan’s a complicated character, and it’s tough to excuse some of his actions. But Kopel had the audience hanging on his every word during “Words Fail.” You really start to feel for him, even though he’s in a bit of a mess.
The younger cast members also shine. Tom Dickerson as Jared had everyone laughing, and Lauren Conroy as Zoe brought some stunning vocals to the stage. Plus, Alice Fern, who’s a West End star, is fantastic as Evan’s busy mom, Heidi.
With a stage full of moving glass panels and bright lights, it’s easy to get lost in this musical. It tackles some heavy themes, like mental health and loneliness, but it does so beautifully.
Given the rise in mental health issues among young people, it’s no wonder that Dear Evan Hansen resonates so much with audiences today. It’s a tough watch at times, but at its core, it’s about self-acceptance and finding peace within yourself.
Don’t miss out! Dear Evan Hansen is at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, January 25. You can grab tickets online or just call 02380 711811.
