In Darren Clark and Jethro Compton’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the incredibly atmospheric Cornish setting becomes the heart and soul of the whole piece – both in the physical elements that create Benjamin’s windswept harbour home and via the flow of an exquisite musical landscape. With time and tide behaving a little differently to normal, the incredibly talented ensemble of actor-musicians become our guides through the story.

John Dagleish’s Benjamin slowly but surely discovers his youth. To have the acting chops and physicality to achieve such a gradual transformation is quite something. We know we are being presented with a fable, but that doesn’t mean we cannot feel Benjamin’s fear, vulnerability and yearning to belong and to be loved. We can also enjoy the happiness and love he feels when meeting barmaid Elowen Keene, a beautiful performance from Clare Foster. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is booking at Ambassadors Theatre, London until 15 February 2025 – for more information and tickets, visit benjaminbuttonmusical.com

PRODUCTION CREDITS

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Darren Clark (music, lyrics) and Jethro Compton (book, lyrics)

Ambassadors Theatre, London, 2 November 2024

Cast Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, John Dagleish, Katy Ellis, Anna Fordham, Clare Foster, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Elliot Mackenzie, Ann Marcuson, Jack Quarton, Benedict Salter

Director Jethro Compton