The Aldwych Theatre's latest production, Sinatra: The Musical, delivers a dazzling tribute to one of showbusiness's most remarkable comebacks, running until April 2027. The show chronicles Frank Sinatra's early career, his dramatic fall from fame, and his resurgence after his Oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity in 1953.
Reviewing for our sister title USA Today, Emily Davison found herself captivated by the production. Over the past decade, London has seen numerous biographical jukebox musicals celebrating icons like Cher, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson, alongside hits like Jersey Boys. Sinatra: The Musical now joins this tradition, focusing on a pivotal period in the crooner's life.
A Story of Fall and Rise
The narrative begins as Sinatra prepares to perform at New York's Paramount Theatre on New Year's Eve 1942, shortly after the birth of his first child. It traces his early music industry years, the breakdown of his marriage to first wife Nancy Sinatra, and his whirlwind romance and marriage to Hollywood star Ava Gardner.
The show then follows his dramatic fall from fame before charting his remarkable comeback in 1953. His Oscar-winning role in From Here to Eternity revived his career and led to a recording contract with Capitol Records. Davison noted that starting the story at this later point made it harder to connect with the protagonist compared to shows like Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which covered her life from childhood to adulthood.
Stunning Vocals and Design
Vocally, the production is stunning, with the entire cast delivering a striking vocal range and outstanding renditions of Sinatra's best-known songs. Joel Harper-Jackson, portraying Frank Sinatra, delivers an incredible performance, his voice emulating the smooth, rich vocals of the late singer, particularly in songs like That's Life and The Best Is Yet to Come.
The costume and set design by Peter McKintosh is simply stunning, holding its own against other West End productions like The Great Gatsby in terms of visual "wow factor." Jenna Russell, as Frank's fiery mother Dolly Sinatra, adds real gumption and humour, sharing great chemistry with Marty Maguire, who plays Frank's father Marty Sinatra.
Powerhouse Performances
Ana Villafañe is a real powerhouse as Ava Gardner, bringing strength and confidence to the role. Phoebe Panaretos, as Frank's wife Nancy Sinatra, brings real depth to her portrayal of the wronged ex-wife and single mother of three children.
Ultimately, the show is an all-singing, all-dancing tribute to one of the most remarkable musical comebacks in Hollywood history. Sinatra: The Musical will be playing at the Aldwych Theatre until April 2027, a run that reviewer Emily Davison suggests could easily be extended.
