Thelma and Louise - Young Vic Theatre
"Another movie to musical adaptation?" I hear you ask. The answer is yes - but hear me out.
Thelma and Louise, based on the 90s classic of the same name, follows two best friends, Thelma, a bored housewife (Amy Lennox), and Louise, an independent waitress (Rachel Tucker), as they set off on a holiday together. Events take a dark turn when Louise shoots a man attempting to assault Thelma.
Having gone in with limited prior knowledge of the story beyond passing references, this production was a genuine discovery. Despite the morally questionable choices driven by fear and desperation, the musical delivers a powerful narrative of female empowerment in the face of adversity. The bond between these two women, and their unwavering loyalty to one another, forms the emotional core of the show.
The soundtrack, while not especially memorable on the whole, is not where this production's strength lies. Instead, it is the performances that carry the show. Lennox and Tucker are a formidable pairing, each bringing considerable individual talent, but it is their combined chemistry that elevates the production. Their connection onstage speaks to real dedication, both to their craft and to each other as scene partners.
The set design by Christine Jones and Brett J Banakis is also quite remarkable. The Young Vic is special in that the space is incredibly malleable, which means that the set can be as immersive as the designers want. For this production, the immersion begins as soon as you enter the auditorium and get into a typical American country bar. The walls are wooden, weathered, and dressed with all the details you'd expect of a roadside dive, the kind of place Thelma and Louise might have stopped at themselves. This attention to detail carries through into one of the production's cleverest touches: rather than using a literal car on stage, the pair's iconic convertible is conjured through flashes of LED light, sweeping and pulsing across the stage to suggest headlights and motion. It's a simple device, but an effective one, allowing the production to capture the freedom and momentum of the open road without ever needing the real thing.
The production draws clear parallels to Bonnie and Clyde, juxtaposing the pair's journey with the police pursuit unfolding alongside it. This dynamic is rendered effectively through the lighting design (Natasha Chivers) and the striking use of space within the venue.
The show takes a little time to find its footing, but once it does, it becomes thoroughly absorbing. A large part of this is down to a strong ensemble cast, bringing together several notable names to great effect.
In the end, this is a musical that knows exactly where it's driving - right off the edge of expectation and into something genuinely moving. It isn't a perfect production, but it's one hell of a ride. So don't sit on the side-lines: buckle up and go along for it.
Production Value: 85%
Value for Money: 85%
Personal Enjoyment: 85%
Overall Score: 85% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5*)
(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)
Show Information
Venue: Young Vic Theatre, London
Playing until the 24th October 2026
Run Time: 2h20 - including an interval
Ticket prices can be found on the show's official website. Click the link here to book online.
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