Beautifully written, emotionally rich, stunning performances - a theatrical masterpiece
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
The Menier Chocolate Factory transforms into the Never Get, an intimate New York cabaret room where a fictional singer and songwriter perform a late-night set that gradually unfolds into a deeply personal story. Through music, storytelling and unforgettable performances, the audience is drawn into an evening where the lines between performance and reality become beautifully blurred.
What we loved
What elevates Midnight at the Never Get from an excellent musical to something truly exceptional is the writing itself. The show is exquisitely written - complex, intelligent and emotionally layered, every lyric, every note and every word is perfectly crafted and delivered. Nothing is wasted.
The construction is simply masterful. The gradual unveiling of the orchestra, the careful layering of character and emotion, and the meticulous pacing all reveal a production that has been perfectly developed, nurtured and performed.
The Menier Chocolate Factory is the perfect home for this production. Rather than simply placing small tables in the auditorium, the theatre is completely transformed into a sophisticated New York cabaret venue, with luxurious mustard-coloured chaise seating that immediately immerses you in the world of the Never Get.
Ben Platt delivers a performance of astonishing quality. He is a consummate storyteller, holding the audience completely in the palm of his hand from beginning to end. His charisma makes the cabaret banter feel effortless, his vocals are exceptional, and his acting is simply extraordinary. He takes us on an emotional rollercoaster and better yet we get to witness his talents up close in this intimate venue.
Platt’s co-star Gregor Milne is equally superb, seamlessly combining accomplished musicianship with a beautifully judged dramatic performance. Together they create a partnership filled with warmth, chemistry and complete trust.
One of the production's most inspired devices is the gradual revelation of the orchestra. What begins as simple piano accompaniment slowly expands as additional musicians (drums and bass) are revealed until a full band emerges. It's a moment of theatrical genius, with the orchestration growing in perfect harmony with the emotional journey of the piece.
The score is glorious. The perfect mix of ballads and up beat numbers – all delivered with flair by Platt, Milne and Barry James. American songwriter and composer Mark Sonnenblick who wrote the Book, Music & Lyrics is simply a genius. It was wonderful to hear such an amazing musical score ‘like they used to write’.
The staging continually reinforces the illusion that we are guests inside the Never Get. Platt moves throughout the audience, interacting naturally with patrons and referencing audience members as characters in the show. The immersive nature of the production works perfectly.
Anything we'd change?
Absolutely Nothing
Who would enjoy it?
Anyone who loves intelligent new musicals. Fans of Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel and Stephen Sondheim will appreciate the sophistication of the writing, while anyone who enjoys the atmosphere of New York cabaret will be captivated by the immersive world the production creates. And of course Ben Platt fans will be beside themselves to see Platt in this intimate setting.
Who created it?
- Book, Music & Lyrics: Mark Sonnenblick
- Director: David Cromer
- Choreographer: Lynne Page
- Set Designer: Scott Pask
- Costume Designer: Jonathan Lipman
- Lighting Designer: Heather Gilbert
- Sound Designer: Paul Groothuis
- Musical Supervision & Orchestrations: Andrew Resnick
Verdict
Midnight at the Never Get isn't simply an excellent new musical; it's a genuine theatrical masterpiece. Beautifully written, exquisitely performed and perfectly constructed, it demonstrates what can happen when exceptional writing, remarkable performers and imaginative staging come together. It's one of the finest new musicals to grace a London stage in recent years. Do whatever you can to see this production !