A musical collaboration between Pet Shop Boys and Beautiful Thing playwright Jonathan Harvey, Closer to Heaven has seen several fringe revivals since its original 2001 run. But it's never felt quite so at home as it does at The Turbine Theatre – its railway-arch industrial aesthetic is perfect as the nightclub setting for a story full of explorations of sexuality and drug-taking. 

At this production's core is Frances Ruffelle as the permanently high Billie Trix. It's an explosively eccentric performance that, for all its surreal weirdness, seems to also provide the musical with its surest footing.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Closer to Heaven 

The Turbine Theatre, London, 4 June 2024

Starring Frances Ruffelle, Courtney Bowman, Glenn Adamson, Connor Carson, Kurt Kansley, David Muscat, Lewis James, Beth Curnock, Cian Hughs and Jamie Tait

Directed by Simon Hardwick

Closer to Heaven runs until 27 July – for information and tickets, visit theturbinetheatre.com​

You can read our full review in the August/September issue of Musicals magazine out 27 July – consider subscribing today!