telegraph.co.uk
Benjamin Button Musical
A unique West End musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story, featuring original music and a lead actor's remarkable transformation without prosthetics.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentLifestylePerformanceTheatreAdaptationMusicalStorytelling
Southwark PlayhouseNew Ambassadors Theatre
John DagleishF. Scott FitzgeraldBrad PittDavid Fincher
- Describe the musical score of the production.
- The musical's score features entirely original material drawing on Cornish and Celtic folk reels. It's performed by a 12-strong cast of actor-musicians, adding to the unique and intimate experience.
- How does John Dagleish portray Benjamin Button's aging process?
- John Dagleish, the lead actor, plays Benjamin Button without the use of makeup or prosthetics. He achieves the character's age transformation through subtle changes in body posture and movement, showing an old man's weight bearing and physicality.
- How does the musical adapt F. Scott Fitzgerald's original story?
- The show, developed over seven years on the fringe, relocates the story from F. Scott Fitzgerald's original Baltimore setting to a Cornish fishing village, adding a fresh perspective to the classic tale.
- What makes the West End production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button unusual?
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a musical, is unusual in that it eschews typical West End trappings such as big stars or recognizable pop songs. Instead, it relies on a compelling story and original music to attract audiences.
- What is the production's strategy for success, given its lack of typical West End elements?
- Despite lacking the usual big-budget elements, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button aims to win over audiences with its unique approach to storytelling, original music, and strong performances.