Thrill Me | Waterloo East Theatre

Down in the tunnels of London Waterloo, Waterloo East Theatre has unleashed its newest thrill in its revival of Thrill Me, celebrating 15 years of Stephen Dolginoff’s twisted queer musical.

Telling the story of the Leopold and Loeb case through a retrospective two hander, this musical is both thrilling and also disturbing. Such a dark case being dramatised is confronting and revealing; bringing these twisted characters to life is certainly bold and somehow it seems to work in its own curious way.

Dolginoff’s score is lush, there are some gorgeous melodies and catchy songs that truly work in driving the plot. Musically, this show twists its way into your head, no matter how hard you may try and reject the gruesome truths you are witnessing, which is where this show hits. There is a song depicting Loeb seducing his victim, which gets directly under your skin, making it crawl with unease. This element of the show is one of its greatest successes.

The storytelling in Thrill Me has a fantastic pace; the 90 minute run time aids the pacing perfectly, allowing audiences to remain gripped. Dolginoff's script walks the audience through all the major details of the killer's story, the coercions, the egos and the corrupted nature of their minds. Fitting this all in 90 minutes seems hefty, yet it works well.

Gerald Armin brings a solid directorial touch to Thrill Me, allowing the performers to carry the story through their skill, avoiding any glamorous elements. The design is simple, which works for the feel of the space and show in tandem.

Jamie Kaye as Nathan Leopold is Thrill Me’s greatest success. Kaye absolutely shines in this role, delivering beautiful vocals and a truly tender performance as a lovesick boy. Kaye is able to additionally shift his performance, adding an uncompromising touch of villainy and ruthlessness to Nathan.

Rufus Kampa plays the wicked mastermind to the story, Richard Loeb. Kampa gives a disturbing performance that will stick with audiences. Moral corruption and self absorption are rife throughout his choices, his acting performance is incredibly notable throughout.

This story of ego and desire is unsettling and terrifying, but there is a bigger question to ask on whether it is a show that should be bought around in 2026, a year where the gay community is under consistent attack. Whilst, sure, an off-west show may not meet the eyes of audiences who will use this story as a weaponising trait, and certainly there should be remorse for the crime, Thrill Me still delivers a romantic homosexual plot throughout. There is benefit to the self awareness of the twisted lyricism, yet there is still an edge to the show that sparks some major doubt and conflicting emotions amidst our current society.

Nonetheless, Thrill Me does feel conflicted as to whether it is confronting harmful narratives or interrogating them. Arguably, if Bonnie and Clyde can get away with it, so can Thrill Me, yet the brutal murder of a child feels darker, more dangerous and could fester some truly disturbing connections that are already presently twisted by a certain demographic.

Thrill Me does not glorify this murder at all, yet the romantic story could lead to facilitating an environment that builds sympathy for the corrupt perpetrators. Many elements of the show lean far away from this, but 5 additional minutes to the piece to create a starker clarity around this conversation could alleviate much doubt and unease. There is a poignancy to this, but there is also a fear to it, and this line is toed with. Thrill Me is certainly provocative.

Putting the year of 2026 aside, this production has charm and Jamie Kaye is an irresistible star within this uncomfortable earworm of a musical. This Clyde and Clyde story is divisive, invasive and a thrilling 90-minute journey at the theatre.

Thrill Me plays at the Waterloo East Theatre up until 10th May 2026 - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Robert Piwko