Based on Charles Dickens’s Our Mutual Friend, London Tide is a play with music rather than a musical (written by Ben Power with music by PJ Harvey), cast with actors of mixed singing ability. The music comes into its own in the second half when the vocally stronger cast members (particularly Bella Maclean as headstrong heroine Bella Wilfer) get their opportunity to sing out. Ellie-May Sheridan makes a scene-stealing professional debut as the waifish yet hilariously forthright dolls’ dressmaker Jenny Wren.

The company of London Tide

Ami Tredrea (Lizzie Hexam)

Brandon Grace (Charley Hexam) and Scott Karim (Bradley Headstone)

Tom Mothersdale (Rokesmith)

Production Credits

London Tide

National Theatre, London, 17 April 2024

Starring Bella Maclean, Tom Mothersdale, Ellie-May Sheridan, Ami Tredrea, Jamael Westman, Jake Wood, Peter Wight et al

Directed by Ian Rickson

London Tide runs until 22 June – for information and tickets, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk

You can read our full review in the June/July issue of Musicals magazine out 31 May – consider subscribing today!