13 Going On 30 The Musical - is this a show to watch out for?
Written by Annie.
We were one of the lucky ones able to see 13 Going On 30 The Musical during its workshop performances at Battersea Arts Centre. Written by the original movie’s writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, it performed for a limited time in October.
It was the third night of the workshop’s performances but as Andy Fickman told us in his introduction, the cast had continued rehearsing and amending the show that morning so technically we were the first to see that version of the show; which is pretty cool. The hope for 13 Going On 30 The Musical is that it will debut in summer 2025.
What is a workshop performance?
The great thing about seeing a show in workshop previews is the opportunity to not only see a brand new show in its earliest form, but also the chance to see the show totally stripped back, and see if there is something special that is going to have a long life ahead of it. Workshops are perhaps even more daunting than the main stage final product, as it’s a totally stripped back version - no costumes, scenery or staging to hide behind. It’s an opportunity for the music and lyrics to completely shine, for the audience to appreciate the score; and for producers to see if the book has the potential to continue its journey to become a fully-staged product in the future.
What is 13 Going On 30 The Musical about?
The 2004 film which starred Jennifer Garnder follows the story of a 13-year-old girl who wishes she was 30, her wish is granted and all of a sudden she wakes suddenly 17 years older. She’s now a fashion magazine editor with a life that seems perfect. As she starts to unpick the mystery of the person she has grown up to be, Jenna has to work out what, and who, really matters.
The musical adaptation of 13 Going on 30 The Musical.
We all know and love the movie, so it’s fair to say expectations were high when entering the theatre, and it is without a doubt that they were pleasantly exceeded. This show really is something special, and I really hope it goes elsewhere following this workshop.
Having to rely solely on the music and lyrics was something quite special to see this show for the first time. It holds all the charm and heartwarming scenes from the movie, adapted beautifully for the stage. There are no hugely complex scenes that would need to rely on elaborate staging, the script really does sing on its own.
We all recognise the film with great nostalgia, but this show has really encapsulated that feeling, and you feel head over heels in love with the characters all over again. They seem like real people, not over the top characters to fill a stage. The space understandably was small, but I really think the intimacy portrayed on stage will easily be transferred to a larger space.
The musical’s score.
The music is a perfect blend of 80’s and 00’s sounds, mixed with well-loved musical theatre belting. They’re catchy, energetic and uplifting. The title song is a wonderful group number embodying everything that the show is.
Not only are there big sellout numbers, there are many beautiful ballads, sung by the lead characters, which set the scene of their romantic relationship so perfectly. It really feels like a private eye into their relationship and is an entirely honest love story. Lucie Jones and Jamie Muscato, are no strangers to leading a show, and they manage this with some ease and talent they’re an honour to watch perform.
The standout roles of the evening were young Matty and Jenna, played by Doireann McNally and Louie Gray. Both have such incredibly strong voices and confidence on stage. I particularly love that this show has created child roles that aren’t incredibly innocent with sweet little songs. It’s a real opportunity to show off the young talent on offer, and how incredibly lucky the future of musical theatre is to have so many rising stars.
Heathers The Musical’s Andy Fickman directs this new production.
Andy Fickman has created a masterpiece through his direction. It is evident he fully understands the core of this show, and as such has created a beautifully honest production.
Does 13 Going On 30 The Musical have potential?
I think the reason this story has stayed so popular across the decades is because it is so real and honest. The majority of people will be able to relate to Jenna and the struggles of wanting to fit in when we were younger. The realisation that having to change yourself to fit in means losing yourself, and that being your authentic self, is such a hugely important message. Not just for the adult audience, but for younger audiences to see such authenticity and celebration of uniqueness is so important to champion into the popular circles.
I truly believe this show won’t require any hugely intricate staging or choreography to let it sing on a bigger stage, but I am so excited to see how it continues to develop and grow in the future. I really hope to be able to see this show again soon, as it is a true evening of nostalgia and love.
We can't wait to see what's next for this!
