Muriel's Wedding | Leicester Curve

The Leicester Curve is once again shaping the future of musical theatre with its latest ‘Made at Curve’ production. An explosion of colour and energy, Muriel’s Wedding follows a flawed anti-heroine who fantasises about being someone’s bride. Stuck in a small town with her only escape being the songs of ABBA, Muriel flees to Sydney to reinvent herself… but at what cost?

Based on the beloved 1994 Australian film of the same name, this stage adaptation has been six years in the making. Despite the original film’s writer and director PJ Hogan also penning the musical’s book, this is far from a faithful re-creation. Under the stylish direction of Simon Phillips, the story has been cleverly modernised to reflect a generation obsessed with validation through social media, even if that approval is based on lies. This theme is effectively reinforced through Andrzej Goulding’s witty and well-integrated projections, alongside the brilliantly satirical songs by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, particularly Shared, Viral, Linked, Liked.

The production fizzes like an energy drink, bursting with vigour and colour. Set designer Matt Kinley has completely transformed the Curve, with a standout being the neon-lit Sydney Harbour Bridge. Andrew Hallsworth’s choreography makes dynamic use of the revolving stage, with the pedestrian-style movement in Never Stick Your Neck Out proving a particular highlight. Gabriela Tylesova’s costumes are exactly as bold and brash as you’d hope—occasionally even outrageously risqué!

This exceptional cast takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. Leading the charge is Megan Ellis as the quirky and complicated Muriel. I’ve rarely been so simultaneously frustrated by a character and yet so keen to be their friend. Ellis’ performance is bold, nuanced, and utterly believable—her standing ovation at curtain call was more than deserved. As Rhonda, Muriel’s sharp-tongued, loyal best friend, Annabel Marlow is a firecracker. Down-to-earth and uncompromising, she delivers one of the musical’s most touching moments in the powerfully moving Amazing—a song that deserves to become a go-to anthem for female friendship.

Darren Day is brilliantly loathsome as Muriel’s manipulative father, Bill Heslop, while Laura Medforth is heart-breaking as Betty Heslop, Muriel’s overlooked and long-suffering mother. The ensemble is electric and incredibly versatile, shifting between characters and tones with ease. Notable mentions include Lena Pattie Jones, who delivers the iconic line “You’re terrible, Muriel” with perfectly pitched comic exaggeration, and Ethan Pascal Peters, who brings warmth and sincerity to the role of Brice Nobes. Helen Hill, Lillie-Pearl Wildman, Jasmine Beel, and Daisy Twells channel classic ‘mean girl’ energy as Muriel’s former school bullies, while Stephen Madsen is hilariously stern as Alexander Shkuratov.

And yes, this may be another musical featuring ABBA songs—but it’s the only one to feature the band themselves! Bronté Alice-Tadman (Frida), Jasmine Hackett (Agnetha), Aaron Tsindos (Benny), and Jamie Doncaster (Björn) appear as heightened versions of the group in Muriel’s mind, embodying the iconic foursome with flair.

Ultimately, for a musical about delusion and deception, Muriel’s Wedding is surprisingly truthful and heartfelt. Whether you're a fan of the original film, ABBA’s iconic hits, or fresh, dynamic musicals, there's something here for everyone. And for those who love a good wedding—you might just find yourself joining the celebration on stage in Act Two!

Muriel’s Wedding  runs at Leicester Curve until Saturday 11th May 2025. RSVP “yes” today—this is one party you won’t want to miss!

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Marc Brenner