Jersey Boys Review: artistic flair that lacks convincing stage presence
- Jack Davey
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
21 July 2026 I 19:30 I Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
Oh, What A Night it is when Jersey Boys rolls into town. There have been a number of touring jukebox musicals this year, many of which have been lacking in innovation. But for Jersey Boys, audiences are always guaranteed a show with fashion and clarity, as we step inside the life stories of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
True to the rock'n'roll band's name, the show takes place over four 'seasons'. It begins with Spring, each narrated by a different member until we get to Frankie Valli in Winter. This gives a well-balanced and personal structure, rather than the telling of events being simply one-sided. Expect their biggest hits, from Big Girls Don't Cry to Sherry. But you don't have to be a life-long fan to appreciate its artistic ambition, even if Des McAnuff's production is starting to tire on this 20th anniversary UK Tour.
The best thing about McAnuff's directorial vision is that it knows its identity. Sergio Trujillo's choreography is immensely tight and unifying, taking inspiration from the band's rather unconventional moves. Pop-art projections (Michael Clark) appear consistently above the action, both to establish place and give visual character to the fifties/sixties setting. And vitally, Jess Goldstein costumes the Four Seasons in an array of blazers, defining their ever-changing brand and ageing the boys from youth to later life.
As an audience, we want to be convinced by our leading man, and Luke Baker as Frankie Valli doesn't always succeed in this. He has some terrific leading moments, particularly in the intensity of Beggin'. However vocally, he can sometimes shy away from Valli's infamously demanding high notes. And we don't see confidence in his facial expression, unfortunately amplified by live videography as they perform (see image). Ultimately, we can't believe in Frankie's magic until Baker does himself.
Jersey Boys' musicality is where it excels the most. Accompanied by live instrumentalists (led by musical director Lauren Ronan), the Four Seasons' songbook sounds exceptional. Montages between recording studios and concert stages are alive and impressive; we're largely here for their music, and it is radiant. The first Spring segment is the weakest, with many short and unsustained scenes: pizza restaurants, bowling alleys, taxi journeys. All of which not contributing to the plot and wasting valuable time in Act One, though generally rectified in Act Two.
Where both singing and dancing quality are polished, the acting standard is haphazard across the board. Hiding behind the 'new joisey' accent, the cast are at the mercy of its comical effect. With more focus on accent accuracy, the feeling in the lines just doesn't hit. The same goes for its staging, in Fallen Angel for example, as Frankie sings the first half of the song with his back to the audience. We immediately lose the emotion that we need to sympathise with.
The most likeable performance comes from Toby Miles as Bob Gaudio, the young songwriter who is last to join the group. He invests in every decision, and comes out swinging with a knock-out voice. Carlo Boumouglbay is appropriately unpleasant as Tommy DeVito, making conflict out of every situation and yet still charming in the right places. Rounding off the quartet is Lewis Kennedy as Nick Massi, who is assured and reliable if, by nature, slightly forgettable.
I had previously loved this production in 2023 on my first watch, however through a show that hinges on its live performances, this revival never really gets off on the right foot. McAnuff's production has a clear understanding of its purpose, and creatively hits all the right notes to revive the Four Seasons' legacy. With an instant standing ovation, its evident that Bradford audiences are loving the return of Jersey Boys, the night is just missing that special something...
UK Tour Information and Tickets: https://jerseyboysmusical.co.uk/
