Midnight Cowboy stars Paul Jacob French as Joe Buck, a young and naïve cowboy escaping his small-town roots for the bustling, unforgiving streets of New York City. French delivers a perfect American cowboy accent and brings depth and vulnerability to his role, proving his impressive acting range.
Upon arriving in the Big Apple, Joe crosses paths with Rico “Ratso” Rizzo, played by Max Bowden – a streetwise, scrappy hustler barely surviving on the fringes of society. Bowden’s portrayal is gritty and raw, capturing the desperation and charm of a man who’s constantly scheming just to make it to the next day.
Together, Joe and Ratso embark on a heartbreaking journey through the underworld of sex work, chasing dreams of wealth, happiness, and an escape to a better life in sunny Florida. Their story is one of grit and survival, but also of friendship, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
This production is not just emotionally resonant—it’s also visually and sonically immersive. The music score elevates the performance, beautifully mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the characters’ journey. A particularly clever stage design includes a screen at the back that serves multiple functions: it reveals Joe’s inner thoughts and memories through performances behind a veil, while also projecting digital backdrops—neon bar lights, and serving as the bar, reception desk and more to help effectively set the scene.
Act 2 opens with a standout number, I Would Never Do That, which showcases the undeniable chemistry between French and Bowden. Their rapport is authentic and moving, and their performances breathe life into the evolving friendship between Joe and Ratso. Their bond is the emotional core of the show and is portrayed with sincerity and nuance.
A nostalgic nod to the original 1969 film comes right at the beginning, with the musical opening on the same iconic theme song—a thoughtful touch that immediately pulls longtime fans into the world.
Overall, Midnight Cowboy is a deeply touching and unexpectedly powerful story. It captures both the darkness and the beauty of chasing dreams, offering an unflinching look at the gritty, often overlooked side of New York life. While the seedy world of sex work is central to the narrative, the cast and creative team handle it with sensitivity and respect. I walked in with no expectations, but left genuinely moved by the heartfelt performances, thoughtful direction, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Link for Tickets: Midnight Cowboy – Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 10th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
