The Devil Wears Prada musical review – a stylish but underwhelming West End adaptation

The stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada delivers strong performances but falters in its fashion and music.

The much-anticipated stage adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada has finally made its West End debut at the Dominion Theatre, but it’s a mixed bag for fashion lovers and theatregoers alike. Despite the movie’s iconic cult status and loyal fan base, the musical falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessor.

The plot remains faithful to the 2006 film, following Andy Sachs, a young woman who moves to New York with dreams of becoming a journalist. She unexpectedly lands a job as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor of the fictional fashion magazine, Runway. The musical explores Andy’s struggle between her aspirations and the personal costs of working for the fashion elite.

While the performances themselves shine, the production's creative choices leave much to be desired. Vanessa Williams steps into the role of Miranda Priestly, a performance that recalls her earlier portrayal of a similar character in Ugly Betty. Her commanding presence is complemented by Georgie Buckland as the wide-eyed Andy and Amy Di Bartolomeo as the catty Emily. The cast’s singing and choreography are also solid, especially in the chorus numbers.

However, the costume design, an essential aspect of any fashion-themed show, fails to impress. Many of the outfits look uninspired, and even the extravagant outfits for Miranda lack the expected wow factor. Despite some glamorous pieces by designer Pamella Roland, the overall look feels underwhelming. The final transformation scene for Andy, lifted directly from the film, also lacks the magic and feels cheap.

Additionally, the score—despite the involvement of Elton John—fails to capture the same energy as the film's original soundtrack. Several slow ballads dominate the show, leaving little room for truly memorable moments. A brief foray into campy comedy and a Paris scene offer glimpses of what the show could have been, but ultimately, The Devil Wears Prada leaves audiences wanting more.