Lindsay Mendez, Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe in 'Merrily We Roll Along'. Photo by Matthew Murphy

Written by Bethan for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

“Merrily” has never sparkled quite like this. The latest Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Merrily We Roll Along arrives on screen with a powerful reminder of what musical theatre can be when storytelling, performance, and craft align in magical synergy. Told in reverse – charting the disintegration of a once-inseparable creative trio back to the hopeful beginnings of their friendship – the show remains one of Sondheim’s most poignant and profound explorations of ambition, loyalty, and the dreams we leave behind. No spoilers – just know it hits straight to the heart.

At the centre of it all is Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, delivering one of the finest performances of his career. He captures Frank’s charm, inner conflict, and slow moral unravelling with such effortless sincerity that it becomes impossible to look away. A born leading man with a voice that soars, Groff makes you fully understand both why people love Frank – and why they struggle to forgive him.

Daniel Radcliffe proves a pitch-perfect Charley Kringas, leaning into the role’s dry wit and emotional fragility with astonishing heart. His chemistry with Groff is electric, particularly when the tensions that have simmered for years finally erupt. Radcliffe has truly come into his own as a stage actor, and this performance will only solidify that reputation.

Lindsay Mendez brings a devastating warmth to Mary Flynn. She’s funny, grounded, and utterly heartbreaking – her delivery often loaded with the kind of unspoken longing that lingers well after the final note. The trio together? Wholesome, broken, hopeful, and deeply human. It’s one of the most compelling portrayals of friendship the musical stage has offered in years.

Katie Rose Clarke, arriving later in the narrative (or earlier in the timeline), is a phenomenal addition – graceful, sharp, and vocally stunning. The wider company also shines, offering characterful support and ensuring every moment feels richly lived in.

And then there’s the music. Sondheim’s score remains nothing short of thrilling – achingly beautiful ballads, biting comedic pieces, harmonies that send chills. Each number is delivered with the kind of clarity and emotional punch that reminds you why Sondheim is a giant of the art form.

Director Maria Friedman’s vision not only resurrected a once-misunderstood musical – it illuminated its brilliance. On film, that brilliance is preserved, expanded, and shared with audiences far beyond Broadway.

A show about looking back has never felt more immediate. Merrily We Roll Along on screen captures the heart, heartbreak, and enduring magic of musical theatre. A triumph.

Merrily We Roll Along will be released in UK & Ireland cinemas on 5 December.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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