Dear Evan Hansen, UK Tour Review (2025)
Written by Amelia for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Today’s going to be a bad day, and here’s why… there’s only a few more weeks left of the Dear Evan Hansen UK tour! From its premiere in 2015, successful Broadway and West End runs, and a film that shall go unspoken, this contemporary musical has been a fan favourite for over a decade now, and it’s clear to see why. The show poses questions about morality and is polarising as to whether the mental health issues that are depicted are handled in the right way, but it’s always delivered with so much heart that these issues can be overlooked.
Our protagonist, Evan, struggles with anxiety and socialising with other’s and we meet him trying to write himself a letter, as ordered by his therapist. This letter leads him to get involved in a tragedy that is not his, and become a vital part of someone else’s story. This tour is led by the force that is Ryan Kopel, who portrays Evan with so much conviction and emotion, it’s honestly impossible not to het a lump in your throat. He finds moments of comedy, contrasted with the pain and heartbreak of Evan’s narrative, and his inevitable fall from grace in Act 2 was truly agonising.
The score, by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is iconic and even better live with the orchestra. You Will Be Found is arguably one of the best musical theatre songs of the last decade, and it delivers all the emotion necessary with this stellar cast. The only moment I found that I missed was the pivotal breakdown of Connor’s dad in the middle of the song. It’s alleged that he has not cried since the death of his son, and the family are all grieving in different ways, but his grief is not obvious. This moment of him finally breaking into Cynthia’s arms was so poignant and devastating, and I’m gutted they chose to take it out.
It’s It's great to see the ensemble and the covers being part of the show instead of off stage; however, I don’t think this aligns with the story and style of the production. Their purpose is unclear, and the choreography in the larger songs doesn’t quite make sense, as they are the only ones performing it. I believe it’s important to demonstrate that the narrative extends beyond just the main characters, yet there are no interactions with any of the ensemble to support this narrative, making everything feel a bit pointless. There were also instances where they detracted from the action, such as in "Good For You," where the three characters singing are overshadowed by what’s occurring behind them. This is not a critique of any of the cast—some of whom I’ve seen in their covers, and they’ve been remarkable—but the directorial choice doesn’t resonate with me.
Demonstrating the impact mental illness can have on a parent, Alice Fearn is unstoppable as Heidi, and the moments where she gets to shine are remarkable. She brings a raw edge to the score as expected, and her reaction to finding out everything she missed is a standout of the show. The Murphy’s are equally impressive, with Helen Anker and Richard Hurst playing Cynthia and Larry, and their dynamic with Lauren Conroy as Zoe is developed and consistent throughout the piece. All are wonderfully talented, and Lauren Conroy truly cements her place as someone to watch in this industry.
Tom Dickerson gives Jared such a comedic edge in the funniest take on the character I’ve seen, but also shows that the character isn’t actually a good person. The comments he makes about Connor after he passes are so out of touch, and so his wanti to be involved in The Connor Project shows his need to fit in is just as high as Evan’s. Connor was played at this performance by Will Forgrave, who did an excellent job in this role and played against Ryan as Evan brilliantly. Vivian Panka gives Alana purpose and her voice is immaculate. Now we’re deep in the tour, you can see the relationships that have been built within the company and they all bounce off each other so well.
The set, by Morgan Large, is different to the original and uses windows throughout to emulate the characters all being slightly disjointed and waiting from the outside. It works well with the story and leaves just enough empty space for it to mirror how nearly all of the characters are feeling deep down.
While it may be a divisive plot, it’s undeniable that this show continues to have a great impact on audiences and, even if some motifs are wrong, the lasting impression of songs like You Will Be Found, do encourage the audience to have a think about those around them. Albeit much more talked about than ever, mental health still goes unnoticed and untreated in so many cases, and if it takes a little show for people to think about reaching out to someone they think might be feeling alone, then it’s done its job.
The Dear Evan Hansen UK tour concludes in Edinburgh on Saturday 5th July.
★★★★
