Fanny – King’s Head Theatre

Fanny is a hilarious and clever play that blends fact and fiction to retell the story of Fanny Mendelssohn. Set in the nineteenth century, the play explores the life of Fanny, sister to the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn. While classical music lovers may be familiar with Felix’s work, Fanny’s contributions are often overlooked, despite evidence that she co-composed several of his pieces. The play highlights how Felix discouraged her from publishing her own music, adding a bittersweet edge beneath the comedy.

This production offers a brilliantly funny introduction to the Mendelssohn family and the colourful cast of characters surrounding them. The story focuses on Fanny as she’s courted by Wilhelm, played by Riad Richie. Richie’s sharp timing, quick wit, and playful energy delivered some of the night’s biggest laughs — from puns like “Can’t elope” becoming “cantaloupe,” to cheekier quips such as “Fanny and Willy make such a great fit.” His charisma and command of comedy had the audience howling throughout.

Another standout performance came from Jeremy Lloyd as Paul, Fanny’s younger brother, often forgotten and always chaotic. His absurd lines and bizarre tangents somehow worked perfectly, thanks to his deadpan delivery and impeccable comic rhythm.

My personal favourite, though, was Rebecka, played by Danielle Phillips. The moment she burst onto the stage, her presence was impossible to ignore: loud, wild, and full of life, and you just could not tell what was going to happen next. Her constant shrieks and dramatic flair brought infectious energy and laughter every time she appeared.

The set was minimal but effective, placing us inside the Mendelssohn family home with a piano at its heart. One of the most inventive elements was the use of lighting and shadow projection, a clever bit of stagecraft that created the illusion of the characters riding on a horse and carriage through the countryside as they were on their way to Buckingham Palace through rear-projected silhouettes.

Overall, Fanny was a joyful, laugh-out-loud production that kept the audience in stitches from start to finish. Even moments of audience participation, like when Fanny “conducted” us as her instruments, adding to the charm. It’s a witty, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining celebration of a woman who deserves to be remembered.

Fanny runs until 15^th November at King’s Head Theatre with tickets available at King’s Head Theatre.

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 16^th October 2025

North West End UK Rating: