Charity Gala Performance in aid of Music Therapy Nordoff and Robbins
Sinatra The Musical is continuing its run in the West End. This performance was in aid of the Charity Nordoff and Robbins; raising awareness of mental health and the benefits of music therapy. Sinatra is a staged biopic uncovering the ‘truth’ behind the man who captured the nations hearts and navigates the conundrum of his complex life. Supported by a talented cast, the story spotlights those who fuelled his meteoric rise to fame, as well as those who witnessed his turbulent downfalls. At its heart, the production portrays Sinatra as a devoted family man who remained fiercely close to his children—a narrative angle strongly backed by his daughter, Nancy Sinatra, who contributed to the show’s development. The journey opens with a young Frank and Nancy finding their footing in both showbiz and their personal relationship. However, life takes on an entirely new trajectory when Sinatra moves to Hollywood, crossing paths with silver-screen sirens Lana Turner, Becky Anderson and Ava Gardner, Ana Villafañe.
As time moves swiftly through the phases of his life the audience response was visibly split between those enjoying the big band nostalgia and those disappointed by the disjointed storytelling. First cover, Sam Brown has stepped into the lead role. Taking on such an iconic figure is no small feat, yet Brown captured Frank’s swagger and charisma. His presence in the shoes of the man himself, commanded the stage with undeniable conviction, providing a necessary spark to an otherwise cumbersome narrative. Warm cameos: Little Nancy, played with charm by Sylvie Regan, brought a welcome warmth to the family arc. A tender duet, the portrayal of Sinatra’s relationship with Billie Holiday Melissa Nettleford delivered a stunning, tender duet that stood as one of the emotionally resonant scenes of the night. From the staging to the acting, the show’s pacing occasionally feels frantically rushed. Actors fly in and out of rapid scene transitions with little breathing room, creating an erratic flow that dampens the dramatic weight. Writer Joe DiPietro and director Kathleen Marshall use classic hits as narrative adjuncts rather than delivering a concert experience. While this elevates Sinatra the man over his discography, hearing major tracks sung abruptly or “down the phone” leaves a slight sense of disappointment. However, we must remember this is a ‘musical biopic’.
The big band delivers on every level with authentic Sinatra vigour. Jon Morrell’s 1950s costumes are exquisite. To survive its long West End run, the production urgently needs a streamlined approach—one that rebalances the song selection and allows its performers to sink their teeth into their roles rather than rushing through scene changes. Sinatra will always have a place in the people’s heart, as My Way, New York, New York, That’s Life, plus many more with echo long after the theatres lights go down.
Writer Joe Dipietro
Director and Choreographer Kathleen Marshall
Set Designer Peter McKintosh
Costume Designer Jon Morrell
Commences at 7.30pm 2hrs 30 minutes duration with a 20-minute Interval
Runs until – 10th April 2027
Booking Link https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/sinatra-the-musical-tickets
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 15th October 2026
North West End UK Rating: