★★★★★ REVIEW: Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre) | 2023 west end revival starring Nicole Scherzinger 

If this sounds like a show you need to see, grab tickets at the link below: prf.hn/click/camref:1100lzG8P/destination:www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunset-boulevard/savoy-theatre/ P.S Make sure to skip through the video using the chapters in the description if you just want to hear the review itself, there's lots of context on this one!

Seen it with both Nicole and Rachel now - endless standing ovations. Both were extraordinary and brought different things to the role - Nicole is more vulnerable, Rachel plays it more sinister. It's an incredible show, probably the best bit of theatre I've ever seen. Can't wait to go again. My only annoyance was the theatre selling popcorn - and having to hear people chug it down while Nicole is signing and bearing her soul on stage.

Artie’s face on the big screen as his fiancé and best friend come together in an act of betrayal was a highlight for me. I’m sure a single tear fell from his eye or maybe I just imagined it. ❤ also I would like to applaud the ensemble as the quality of their singing was extraordinary, haven’t heard choral singing that good since Sweeney on Broadway.

I saw 9 shows on my recent trip to London and this by far was the best. I'm a big fan of the original lavish production, but this dark gritty reinterpretation was out of this word. The orchestrations alone are worth the ticket price, but this manic and narcissistic performance by Nicole as Norma left me speechless (in a good way). The entire production felt very modern in this online/social media world we live in. The harsh reality of Hollywood couldn't be better depicted. The supporting roles for Joe and Max also a standout. Treat yourself and see this production

I've seen it 3 times, two with Nicole and I just saw Rachel's debut this week. I honestly can't get enough of it! I saw the first preview and I will never forget the shock in the audience at the top of the second act during Sunset Blvd. It was one of my most memorable moments in a theatre. The first preview had 3 standing ovations! Rachel's Norma was equally as impressive as Nicole's, but I won't say much more as I don't want to spoil it!

Nicole is brilliant!! All the accolades are truly deserved 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Flew all the way from New York to see Nicole on Thanksgiving day. I cried throughout 🥹🥹🥹 She slayed!!! thank you for your thoughtful review!!!!

I love all the motifs that have been coming through Jamie’s work recently… The un-micing when a character has nothing more to say/dies… Also captivated by the notion of leaving of the realm of the theatre e.g. Joe at the start of Act 2, Jessica Chastain’s Nora at the end of A Doll’s House. Every direction feels so rich with meaning and intention.

I travelled to London from Australia recently to see a heap of shows. I was absolutely blown away by this production. The entire cast give so much in every performance. Great video as always @mickeyJoTheatre Nicole was absolutely sensational.

In the act 2 opening sequence Nicole also writes 'mad about the boy' on the mirror, a nod to the cigarette case that's cut from the show

Mickey, I'm becoming a true fan. Yes, you're extremely knowledgeable and informed; but, you're not merely a know-it-all, critic, who coldly and callously doles out his opinions with superiority and glibness. Your reviews are filled with reverence. And that very reverence which motivates your ovations also motivates your criticisms. You clearly WANT to love the shows you see! And you do, you convey such genuine joy! -There's not a hint of cynicism, even when you really object to something. - Please don't EVER lose that! - Five stars to you, my friend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I saw this! It was amazing! I'm so happy that it's moving to Broadway!!

Your review was definitely worth the wait and the show sounds completely extraordinary. When the announcement about Nicole Scherzinger was made, I was absolutely convinced she would be amazing. It was an opportunity for her to really show what she can do and there was no way she wouldn’t really go for it-heart and soul. I completely agree that Jamie Lloyd needs to work with a completely new production, it would allow his amazing insight and imagination to go even further without the constraints of existing material. All in all, a wonderful review and I sincerely hope all those who were so dismissive of any kind of retelling, will be open to getting their minds blown.

Spot on review! I agree with everything you said. I was completely blown away by this production. The performances of Nicole as Norma and David Thaxton as Max were standouts. I went to see it a second time this week and enjoyed it even more.

So thrilled to know that the original ending of One Look has been restored!! I've never claimed that descending mod with Glenn's version. If it's good enough for Barbra (who actually sang/recorded it first) and Patti then it's good enough for me.

Jessica Chastain is a Juilliard trained actress who had success on Broadway years before finding success on film!! I saw her in “Salome” in 2006 opposite Al Pacino and she was amazing.

Re: the mugging / campy faces - it could also be a reference to silent movie performances, which were VERY broad. I hope it's still running when I next get to London.

Could have happily watched an hour long review & thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts..

i saw the opening night of this, because I was going to be conducting a version in Australia in 2024, that production got cancelled, but loved Nicole's performance. Loved the orchestra sound, the lush strings sounded amazing.

My life is officially divided into before and after Jamie Lloyd's Sunset Blvd.

Absolutely loved it! Saw one of the last previews! Incredible!!! ❤

I wish I could hop on plane and go see this. It sounds fantastic.

I have been deliberatly avoiding other reviews until yours came out! excited to hear all of your thoughts!!

I’m still buzzing from seeing it yesterday. Nicole Sherzinger and Tom Francis- wow. I don’t suppose there’ll be a recording at some stage… I cried a little at the end. It was so moving..

Ugh this was one of the coolest productions of anything I have ever seen

I went to see it for Tom Francis and was blown away by Nicole. I’m excited to see what she does in Death Becomes Her the musical coming in April! Great video, you have a wonderful way of being informative and captivating when sharing your thoughts on different productions. 💜

I’ve been waiting for this review!!! Need to see it again. It was simply the best west end show I’ve seen ever. And I’ve seen tons of

Her acting in that final scene is amazing -- the blood & that crazed look.

Betty Buckley also got standing ovations for those two songs at the minscoff theater. Saw it once then took others two more times and she didn't have the vocal lowered

No need to apologize about the length of the vlog. You packed in so much wonderful information about the production, the director and the principle players. Hope it comes to Broadway.

I was waiting to see your reaction to the opening of act 2. I had my jaw on the floor for that part, i spent ages trying to work out the logistics to make that work and make sure he has the orchestra and his voice is captured with a little background noise as possible. Just incredible. Most amazing thing I've seen

Ok Mickey, When I first came upon you I didn't know if i was going to like you. Watching all of your videos you have grown to engage me. I am fascinated by how you have grown your image and product, I admire you how you have grown as a person. I am enthralled by your attention to detail and your immense passion for theatre. You remind me a lot of myself when I was young an actor in NYC. Once again, your attention to detail you see a show and like me the complete show is recorded in your brain. In this review you describe her diction choice or " May rather than Me" ....What ? Your history and knowledge of past productions is a big part of your being a great reviewer of todays productions. I am a gay man myself. I am 60 years old still working in theatre, writing and directing for the past 40 years. You are doing a great job but you are young. Think about your future and the next phase of your life. I think many people wil agree with me that you should get a degree and become a director. As you talk about this directors attention to detail you are very similar. Think about your future and the next phase in your life, get a degree and become a theatre director.

I’ve been a fan of Nicole’s for longer than she’s been a big star, she’s so incredibly talented. So I’m thrilled the world is finally seeing what she can do. Hope it comes stateside so I can finally encounter her in person.

I saw the original west end production with Petula Clark, and then went back a week later when Rita Moreno took over - both were amazing and brought something unique to the pathos of Norma. Can't say I'm ever seen quite that hunky a Joe Gillis - hubba hubba hubba!

This is quite an interesting review. I remember Sunset Boulevard in Toronto with Diahann Carrol and I never thought it could be reimagined this way!

Love the long review

Very fun that because you didn't make it to press night we ended up going on the same night! I completely agree with everything you said too!

Wow! What a commentary, this is an outstanding review! You totally deserve social media pay outs, most people don’t! You are stand out- thank you! Also you need to get touted, a deserved talent! Please, someone grab him now 🎉❤🎉❤

I literally gasped and had goosebumps all over when they first used the camera and screen. It was such a fresh idea and adds so much to the show, because it’s about film. In Bat Out of Hell, for example, it just didn’t add anything. It was so out of place. The close ups and facial expressions etc are so amazing to see it so huge. I thought it was genius to add it to this show. I also loved it was all black and white except for the blood and the titles. Nicole was absolutely sensational!! I loved how she made fun of herself too. It added to the madness of Norma to me. She was so dedicated to the character. And yes I thought she was going to run out of breath on that note she held for forever and still went on! Wow wow wow!!! The orchestra sounded so amazing as well. I think there were about 18-20 people in the pit. Goosebumps moments all the time because of this. Was the cardboard Andrew LW there too? 😅 The use of haze was so cool as well. It almost felt like a storm going on when it was turned on to full blast and you lost everything else around Norma. I would really go see it again!!

Fun fact - Hugh Jackman was Australia's original Joe.

There was a limited run of this musical recently at the Kennedy Center with Stephanie J. Block playing Norma and I really wanted to go!! Hope I can someday see this musical!

Finally saw the show last night - I have never been more grateful for one of your reviews. I have seen some wonderful productions on the back of your opinion, but Sunset is one of my fave shows and decided to try this reimagined version. Mind blown - I loved every single aspect of this completely modern adaptation.. the video was so powerful. Acting incredible. Singing omg .. thanks so much. Anyone out there who loves the music and the classic telling of sunset - give it a go. I’ve literally booked to go again. Pure genius.

Anyone who has seen that video to Nicole Scherzinger singing Don't Cry For Me Argentina knew this was going to be sensational

This edition of Sunset BLV is absolutely wonderful.

I’m excited for this review. I hope they bring it over to nyc. I would love to see a new version

Saw it on Saturday....omg I loved it!!! Cast are amazing, need to see it again with Rachel on :)

The way I saw a Tiktok of the moment you talked about and thought it was a bit of filming for a TV slot or promo. They do that EVERY NIGHT ?!? Madness !!!!!!! I love it 😂😍

Fabulous review, I just got back from London and seeing the show, it was a transformative experience. It’s fitting you had so many notes, I came out with my mind crazy with thoughts, too many to list here, but I’ll say, I know the original show and don’t think I ever realized how much the show is about damaged people, finding each other. You’d think it would be obvious, but there was something so clear here about the relentless machine of Hollywood beating on these people for ever and you see them gravitating towards each other, leaning on each other, almost like Hollywood was a drug addiction and these people are the consequences of all that abuse. There was a brilliant moment at the end of act 1, when Joe comes back and he resigns to this relationship, and he reaches out and holds Norma’s hand. Similar to the leads in the latest Sweeney on Broadway, in the last moment when they hold each other’s hand. It’s like, I know you’re crazy, and I’m crazy, but we’re each other’s crazy. There was this great love and vulnerability in that moment, it deeply moved me. I will also say, I think like the best revivals (ie, the last Oklahoma) I felt like Jamie Lloyd was able to dig in so deep and pull out these incredible themes and nuances that were always there but maybe hidden by production. I think Sunset Blvd was a valid candidate for the exploration, and this production definitely elevated the material by fully considerations everything that was already there. And I know you note Jamie Lloyd doesn’t touch the scores in the musicals he produces, but Lloyd Webber’s score has never been better than here - LOUD, punchy, sharp, dangerous- it almost felt like raw emotions that could almost overwhelm everything around it. It unleashed the score I think, it felt like Lloyd Webber almost at his rawest - and that’s just in the playing of it. I always felt the show was accomplished, but a bit cold and detached, I’m never really been able to connect to it completely. Here - it was an emotionally overwhelming experience.

Just saw Merrily today. You were right...WONDERFUL!!!

The Friends episode about the dance routine is one of my favorites. Thanks for the reference!

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FIR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!🎉🎉

Saw it on Monday with the exceptional Rachel Tucker and a companion who had absolutely no clue what was happening having never seen or heard it before - there’s minimal and then there’s no context at all. I had to explain it to him at the interval. He was especially confused during the scene where they switch between “old” and “young” Norma, as the “young” Norma actor looks v like Nicole but not at all like Rachel! Broke the immersion for me too. Otherwise an excellent show, the tech feats so impressive - no lag between sound and vision at all. Tom Francis deserves all the plaudits, so much stage time, climbing a million stairs while singing beautifully - an excellent performance. Lovely to see John Barrowman in the audience too, my first Joe (very meta given the themes of the show).

Seeing it next week and I'm very excited! Usually I don't really enjoy these kind of stripped down, "modern" productions but I'll try to be open minded!

Thanks for the review. Would love to hear what you thought of Here We Are. I went back to see it again

I took me a while to get into this. Some aspects I adored but I kept having Glenn Closes performance and Anthony Powells costume designs in my head but it’s fair to say this is such a different experience that it’s in its own lane. It’s such a fabulous performance and show

Nicole's performance is absolutely phenomenal.

Dare we compare Patti to Carrie Hope Fletcher....in regards to ALW treatment

I really hope this tours! If so, would love to know when the casting process starts to audition!

Sounds amazing.

I'm getting from what you say Olivier Award vibes.

I was avoiding watching your video until I’d seen it myself, and oh my gosh you said everything I was thinking! I just couldn’t get past how dreadful Betty’s costume was, the other leads were all plain yet timeless, but she looked like she’d just come out of rehearsal at Pineapple in 2015… WHY!? The socks!! Also I hated Nicole’s very modern, silly references like when she said “let me worry about the monaaayyyy hunnayyyy” and the clicks and faces- and HATED Max having a PCD poster in the dressing room, all cheap gags in an otherwise flawless show that really didn’t require them! But all in all I absolutely loved it and thought Nicole’s performance was probably the best I’ve ever seen ✨✨✨

Apart from the ageism displayed by the producers/writers in changing Desmond's age from 50 to 40, this was excellent. I highly recommend it. A bit more in the way of wardrobe wouldn't have harmed them.

I really enjoyed this review! Being a silly American, I'll probably never get to see this production. From what you describe, it really sounds like this particular production invites comparision. I'm totally digging the black and white asthetic-- Wilder could have easily shot the film in color but intentionally did it in black and white. I know that's probably out of your wheelhouse, but the conversation between the original film and this production could be ripe for interesting interpretation. Thank you for discussing the monkey. My critical theory addeled brain is obsessed with the monkey. Truly enjoy your work!

Sounds like an incredible production. Any speculation on a Broadway transfer?

Would love to see this! Any thoughts about Sarah Brightman in a new Australian Production? Thank you for this great review, hopefully I can get there.

I watch the show tonight, can't wait🎉

Yeeeeees, finally! ❤

When you started talking about the cameras I thought about a production of Hamlet I've seen where they used cameras, and also had him do his famous monologue while walking around the theatre and going out to the street. Interesting how they did something so similar in this production!

Agree ❤ such a powerful show just saw it

I saw “A Doll’s House” last year and think Lloyd with this material is quite intriguing so I hope it comes stateside (with Aaron Tveit or Jeremy Jordan as Joe)

I can somehow see Nicole Scherzinger in the role of Norma Desmond, but here in Australia, I've just learnt a few days ago that Sarah Brightman will be reviving the role of Norma Desmond! I don't quite know how to feel about that - I hope she surprises me, that's all I can say for now.

Talking about With One Look, the song actually starts in A Major and in both Patti Lupone’s and Glenn Close’s versions, the key changes to D Major at the instrumental part… Lupone stays in that key until the end while Close modulated down to B Major. Nicole’s version is a different story because even though she started in the same A Major key, they transposed her song to C Major at the instrumental part and she remained in that key until the end. So while it is true that she didn’t modulate down with the last “with one look…” like what Close did, her actual transposition is different and lower than Lupone’s. Didn’t make her version any less than Lupone’s, though. Nicole’s version was still stunning I my honest opinion that it almost brought me to tears. When I saw the show in September, Nicole did blew me away that she stayed in key in the whole ending part, but only after I listened to all 3 versions again that I learned that they all ended differently, actually… :)

Listening to this review, I know I would love it even if overall I hated it simply because it would be a fun NEW way to see Sunset

Ok just that curtain call makes me wish I could get to the UK to see this The instrumental piece behind the car chase toward the beginning has always been my favourite thing ALW has penned, btw

The only thing I will say about Tom as Joe sitting down before Nicole goes into her scene discussing Salome, is the representation of power and hierarchy within the group. Although it is most likely played for laughs, I personally see it as Nicole’s Norma really establishing an immediate dominance upon Joe and her eventual emotional control over his material and eventual life upon the end. It shows the audience the first hints into her original dominance on the picture career and how unhinged it has made her recently.

She is totally flawless

Fun fact about Nicole when you talk about how she's meant for Theater. She went to Youth Performing Arts School (for highschool) in Louisville, my hometown (of which my sister is also an alumni), so not surprised she's doing well! That training was early.

Well, fingers crossed this jumps the pond.

Just saw this finally, truly insane production - the Sunset Boulevard scene had me like 😱😱😱 hadn’t wanted to see it until started seeing the raves but really glad I went, truly an amazing theatre experience! Though I’m not a big fan of the Savoy balcony, it’s a bit scary trying to get past people with that rake

Excellent review! I saw it last week with Rachel Tucker, exceptional! I want to see Nicole top but I realised she is filming masked singer USA. Wonder when she is back 😪

The modulation in With One Look is still there…it’s just in a different place. This version modulates to a different (and lower) key than even the Patti version after the lyrics “still out there in the dark.”

I loved the backstage and street part. Is it confirmed it’s actually live or filmed once and cleverly synced?

She's now in her mid-40s -- she should have done more of this stuff over the last 25yrs. Phenomenol.

Sunset Boulevard is one of my favorite movies of all time, Im genuinely glad that the musical seems to be great, so im excited (though im not really into Andrew Lloyd Webber's music very much)

I think the next time i go to London i will proabbly see Hadstwon.

With regard to the on-stage cameras and video screen, I saw a similar concept used back in 2019 for the stage production of All About Eve starring Gillian Anderson. It was used extensively throughout the play, and was both intriguing and slightly distracting.

There was two Swedish Productions of Sunset Boulevard. But i was sadly too young too see any of them.

She was SO good, I bawled multiple times

I hope it travels to the US!

When I saw one of the first weeks shows she held home so long like hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooome … aaaaat laaaaaaaaaaaaaast but home was extra long was amazing also the eye contact she makes I was front row at times felt she sang just to me ❤

Maybe she's changed her delivery since you saw it because it's the "home" note that she holds, not "last".

I'm waiting to see if/when someone captures the "behind-the-scenes" moment happening each night at the start of the second act. Like a theater fan who has seen it and knows the timing, and one night just waits for the action to begin from the stage door and films it (naturally from a distance, and without interrupting anything). If I lived there, I sure would love to see Tom Francis do that walk on multiple occasions. 😅

Where would you recommend sitting in the auditorium for the best experience of this show? :)

I don't know that much of the show(apart from see this review) but I'm going to see the show in Sydney with Sarah Brightman. It's probably going to be expensive bc it's ALW & then also a big cast member from overseas. Can't wait though.

So excited and grateful that I won the todaytix lottery - seeing this next week!!’ 😍😍😍 can’t wait!!

The use of onstage live camera feeds reminds me very much of Headlong's _1984._ It was very effective there, I wouldn't be surprised if it was very effective here. Interestingly, in the 1922 _Salome_ the title role was played by Alla Nazimova, who was 44 at the time. I wonder if that was partly inspiration for Norma Desmond being certain that she could play 16. And to be fair, Nazimova did pull it off.

Btw did you ever see `network at national theatre or on Broadway? They did the acting on the streets of New York and London with a camera

Love the look on you!

Is Nicole on every performance except Monday like the day and night ones?

Do you think this adaptation would work for an audience member who hasn’t seen /listened to Sunset before? A lot of the rave reviews seem to have centred on how different this is - and I’m definitely excited to see it for that reason! - but do you think it’ll still work for an audience member who, without set and props, can’t ‘fill in the blanks’ as far as the story goes?