THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: THE MUSICAL
The Devil Wears Prada
at The Dominion Theatre in London, UK on December 4th, 2025
by Cat WIltshire
It feels like just yesterday when musical fans were excited to hear that Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada was to be transformed into a musical. It’s hard to believe it wasn’t created sooner or that it’s been running here in London for a year already. Time flies when you’re not moving at a glacial pace!
Square One Magazine went to see the spectacle for themselves, and what better time to see the production than at its 1st Anniversary Gala Night, surrounded by glitz and glamour. After an incredible first year in the West End, breaking records as the fastest-selling show in the Dominion’s history, The Devil Wears Prada welcomed some fresh, runway-ready cast members this October.
For those of you who have read the book or watched the 2006 movie starring Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep, you’ll be pleased to hear it doesn't deviate too far from the plot you may know and love.
If you are wondering what to expect from this production, be ready for an evening of exhilarating extravagance and “Gird your loins!” because this musical is an absolute blast, carrying on the tradition of great adaptations. It’s loud, fun, and full of killer fashion, mixing the book and film’s sharp humour with the excitement of live theatre.
The story follows Andrea (Andy if you prefer) Sachs, who somehow ends up as the junior assistant to the legendary and terrifying Miranda, the editor-in-chief of the iconic U.S. fashion magazine Runway. A few new touches have been added to give the musical some extra emotional punch, but overall it’s exactly what you’d expect and stays true to the heart of the film.
Strong, powerful women are still front and centre with Vanessa Williams of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives fame playing Runway magazine's dreaded editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Thankfully, her place in the cast has been extended to April 2026, and she really embodies the role.
Stevie Doc (winner of ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream and WhatsOnStage Award nominee for her performance of Sophie in Mamma Mia!) is strong in the role of Andy, the aspiring journalist who talks her way into the job of second assistant to Miranda at Runway. Magazine. She transforms seamlessly from a slightly green girl in the big city to becoming a Miranda girl.
Much like the film, an important role is Emily, Miranda's fiery and fashion-forward first assistant, portrayed as a slightly neurotic and very intense British woman. Taila Halford (Shucked; School of Rock) pulls it off brilliantly from the first moment we see her as she introduces the show by telling us to put our camera phones away and unwrap our sweeties now.
Olivier Award winner and Grammy-nominated Matt Henry, MBE, plays Runway’s Creative Fashion Director, Nigel. He delivers his amazing rendition of ‘Seen’ after Nigel lets Andy in on a little secret: after years of loyalty, he’s finally about to score an exciting new job. Then, in a powerful and surprisingly emotional song, he opens up about what magazines like Runway meant to him as a lonely gay kid growing up in the middle of America.
Elton John, who was in attendance as a part of the gala celebration, wrote the music for this theatre spectacle. It's no surprise then that the music is really what brings this show to life, giving the perfect vibe to all the onstage sparkle. From start to finish, it’s a high-fashion thrill ride that keeps the audience hooked.
‘Dress Your Way Up’ is a total showstopper, capturing the glam and pull of the fashion world. Other standout songs include ‘The House of Miranda,’ ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Who’s She?’, and ‘Stay on Top,’ each with super-catchy tunes and sharp lyrics. In the pit, musical director Katharine Woolley and the awesome band keep everything lively and fast-paced. Woolley even pops up through a trapdoor at the end to take a much-deserved bow.
Jerry Mitchell’s direction and choreography are slick and polished, mirroring the world and high fashion. The scenes glide from one to the next, keeping the show moving with plenty of energy. There are a few quieter moments to let us see what the characters are really going through. The big ensemble numbers are incredible, with impressive vocals and tight dancing.
All the other elements of the production are just as tight. This is Runway we’re talking about, so the clothes are a huge part of the fun. Costume designer Gregg Barnes goes all-in on this aesthetic, including short skirts, lots of sparkle, and sleek, shiny silhouettes. Backing all that up is Tim Hatley’s bold set design and Bruno Poet’s crisp lighting, which take the whole show to another level. The scenery shifts effortlessly from Manhattan’s skyline to Paris, complete with a glowing Eiffel Tower, all while keeping that vibe of power and privilege intact.
This new take on The Devil Wears Prada really captures the magic of live musical theatre. You don’t need to have seen the movie or read the book to have a great time, it’s a full-on feel-good party that proudly celebrates the glitz, glam and chaos of a tough, high-pressure world.
And don’t forget to grab a programme, it’s cleverly designed to look and feel just like a glossy fashion magazine.
Cat Wiltshire
★★★★★
