Figaro a musical with a stellar cast John Robyns as Figaro, known for his roles as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, The Phantom, in The Phantom of the Opera. Cayleigh Capaldi as Sienna currently starring as Rose in the Off Broadway musical Titanique and Aime Atkinson as Lucia a British actress and recording artist, her musical accolades in Six the Musical as Katherine Howard and Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman Daniel Brocklebank as Antonio, Ava Brennan played Gia.
The two child actors Gianni played by Cian Eagle-Service and Sophia Goodman as Amelia both too have credits to their name, Cian performing as Oliver in the 2024 production. Sophia who made her West End debut in Les Misérables and recently played the title role in Matilda the Musical. It goes without saying that the musicality of these performers was outstanding. The lyrics, the songs and the duets where sublime, Ashley Jana has created a tapestry of sound to convey the complexity of the story with beautiful moments of emotion.

This story was set in Italy, Sienna and her father Antonio were from Naples and they spoke in American accents whilst Figaro and is traveling artists spoke with English accents “we speak like we are from North London Amelia replies” this did not work, and it just bemused the audience. There were no north London accents anywhere in this musical. This was a show of ‘two halves’ in a sense there was drama, and intrigue which drew you in to a dark story of possessive and coercive love, betrayal and deceit. In the second act as the story unfolds, Figaro is caught out and challenged. The acting at times was disjointed and slow it felt like act two had lost its way at times as the transitions from scene to scene was a little awkward. It could well be the cast finding their place and as time goes by, they will feel comfortable in their roles, and this will improve. It is a long show over 3hrs and there are some scenes that could be reviewed, shortened or even removed; however, it does not feel long because you are entertained and in awe of the sublime musicality of the cast, which you could listen to for hours.
The lightning was dramatic and very effective with some flashing lights which some viewers may find difficult, this is well advertised.
This musical lacked direction at times, the acting a little ‘off’ and some songs did not smoothly introduce the scenes as well as it should, which was a shame. As most of the songs were phenomenal. The musical sound from the London Musical Theatre in harmony with the performers was seamlessly breathtaking. Each performer was outstanding “a cast of excellence” wow factor. Ashley Jana and Will Nunziata have created a soundtrack of brilliance on par with the likes of Les Miserable, and Phantom of the Opera. They say if you come out from a musical reciting the words, song you’ve created ‘something’ special: All Our Love, All The Money in The World, I Have Had Enough of You to name just a few.
This musical will be one to follow as it just does not quite hit the mark, yet! The potential is there and with the right direction and some changes, Figaro: An Original Musical will have the ability to be quite remarkable and truly special for audiences all over the world. It just needs to make sense.
Music, Lyrics, Co book, Co-created, Orchestrated and Arranged by Ashley Jana
Co-Book, Co- Created and Directed by Will Nunziata
Lighting Designer Alex Musgrave
The Alex Musgrave
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Review Date 3rd February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Running Time – 3 hrs 15 minutes with an interval