Brendon Ludlow
1 Aug 2026
Some shows grab you from the opening moments and refuse to let go. The Devil Wears Prada does exactly that… at least for most of its running time.
The first act is simply impeccable. It moves with confidence, delivers hit after hit, and perfectly balances humour, heart and high fashion. Every musical number lands, the pacing is razor-sharp, and the audience is swept into the glamorous, ruthless world of Runway magazine with effortless style.
The second act begins in exactly the right way. The opening number is sensational and sets the stage for what feels like it’s going to be an equally thrilling finish. Then, unexpectedly, the show takes a detour. For around 20 minutes the storytelling loses its focus, wandering away from the emotional core that made the first half so compelling. It’s not that the performances falter they absolutely don’t. The cast continue to deliver exceptional vocals and performances, and the costumes remain an absolute feast for the eyes. Instead, it’s the narrative that briefly goes rogue before thankfully finding its footing again and steering the production towards a satisfying conclusion.
Visually, this production exceeded every expectation I had. The staging is spectacular, with scene changes that feel cinematic, and the costume design is worth the ticket price alone. Every reveal is met with audible gasps, proving fashion can be just as much a star as the performers themselves.
Speaking of performers, the principal cast are ridiculously talented. They bring charisma, precision and emotional depth to every scene, elevating material even when the script briefly loses its way.
While the second act isn’t quite as consistently polished as the first, The Devil Wears Prada remains a stylish, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre. If you’re after dazzling visuals, powerhouse performances and enough couture to make your jaw drop, The Devil Wears Prada is still well worth slipping into.