Sinatra The Musical comes to the West End bringing the big band sound and gritty romantic storylines. Based on the life and career of the legendary icon” Francis Albert Sinatra. Known to some as “Ol Blue Eyes”, and a man who became one of the worlds influential singers.
His life a conundrum of complexity is acted out by the key players who support his rise to fame whilst spotlighting others who stood by and watched is timely demise. Portrayed as a loving family man Frank certainly was close to his children. His daughter Nancy Sinatra has supported and contributed to this production of her fathers staged biopic. The story starts from when Sinatra and Nancy young and in love are finding their feet in showbiz and in their personal relationships. Life takes on a whole new meaning when Sinatra played by Joel Harper-Jackson moves to Hollywood and meets Lana Turner (Becky Anderson) and Ava Gardner (Ana Villafane).
From the staging to the acting, it felt rushed as the actors flew in and out of the scene changes. This really impacted on the flow of the story which was a real shame. The classic songs feature but as adjuncts to the story lines which worked well but also gave a sense of disappoint if you were expecting to hear more. There were many momentous songs sung ‘down the phone’. This is a musical and not intended to be a concert of Sinatra’s music. Dipietro and Marshall have poetic licence to portray the music in such a way to elevate Sinatra the man not the music behind the man, which was beautifully orchestrated. Dave Rose’s Big Band delivered on every level with vigour and sound and as expected in true Sinatra style. The scene changes also had a video backdrop of news headlines. Sinatra’s exploits good and bad throughout giving a sense of the turmoil operating behind the scenes of his professional and personal life.
This production sadly felt a little bit too ‘corny’ and repetitive in places, plus lacked a real sense of depth, characterisation and charisma. Act one the cast were finding their feet with their solos and ensembles which occasionally were off key, it was hot in the theatre so expecting this was challenging for the cast and the audience. At times the scenes didn’t work well, you would expect cohesion from a large production like this. Morells costumes were fitting and exquisite, 1950’s Hollywood. Little Nancy played by Mia Savident was charming and it was so lovely to see her story acted out. Sinatra and Billie Holiday played by Melissa Nettleford portrayal of their relationship and duet was a beautiful moment in the show.
My feeling is this musical is all ‘Big Band’ sound which overshadowed the cast and it felt too much of the ‘same thing’ and too long. The lighting was bright almost too dazzling to the eyes if sitting in the stalls. Many questions, could this production benefit from a more streamlined approach possibly. Could the songs selected have more emphasis maybe. I feel the audience were split in terms of their response. The chance of seeing Sinatra in the West End comes with high expectations which fell a little short in this performance. It has a long run in the West End, and it will be interesting to see how this musical performs long term.
The cast have time to relax into their roles; there is no doubt ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ is back in town.
Writer Joe Dipietro
Director and Choreographer Kathleen Marshall
Set Designer Peter McKintosh
Costume Designer Jon Morrell
Music Director Dave Rose
Commences at 7.00pm 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: 24th June 2026
North West End UK Rating: