The world premiere of the new musical Identical, based on Erich Kästner's The Parent Trap novel, officially opened at the Nottingham Playhouse August 2 following previews that began July 26, and the reviews are in. Performances continue in Nottingham through August 14 before playing Salford’s The Lowry August 19–September 3. The new musical features a score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk) and a book by Stuart Patterson.
Directed by Olivier and Tony winner Trevor Nunn, the West End-aimed musical features three sets of identical twins who share the central roles of Lottie and Lisa: Kyla and Nicole Fox from County Armagh, Northern Ireland; Emme and Eden Patrick from Waltham Abbey; and Sienna and Savannah Robinson from Bromley.
Read the reviews below.
Newark Advertiser (Sharon Hodkin)
The Telegraph (Dominic Cavendish)
West End Best Friend (Romy Morgan)
Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Identical follows Lottie and Lisa, twin girls separated at birth, as they meet at summer camp as 10-year-olds and devise a plan to swap identities and reunite their divorced parents. Kästner's novel was previously adapted by Disney into a 1961 film starring Hayley Mills and again in 1998 starring Lindsay Lohan.
Also in the cast are Emily Tierney (Wicked), James Darch (The Rocky Horror Show), Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (Pippin), Louise Gold (Fiddler on the Roof), and Michael Smith-Stewart (The Lion King) with ensemble members Rico Bakker, David Bardsley, Hannah Cauchi, Paige Fenlon, Rosie Glossop, Dominic Adam Griffin, Jordan Isaac, Rutendo Mushonga, and Ellie Nunn. Featured in the children's ensemble are Winter Jarrett Glasspool, Daisy Jeffcoate, Isabelle Larrey, Saffia Layla, Parrine Long, Helena Middleton, Kirsten Muzvuru, and Poppy Pawson, while canines Ness and Louby share the role of Pepi.
The creative team includes choreographer Matt Cole, set designer Rob Jones, costume designer Jonathan Lipman, video designer Douglas O'Connell, lighting designer Johanna Town, sound designer Paul Gatehouse, musical supervisor Caroline Humphris, musical director Tamara Saringer, orchestrator Tom Curran, associate director Martha Geelan, associate choreographer Jane McMurtrie, casting director Anne Vosser, children’s casting director and administrator Jo Hawes, and wig and hair designer Richard Mawbey. The production manager is Digby Robinson with general management and marketing by Kenny Wax Ltd.
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