50 First Dates: The Musical Review
If you were a teen in the early 2000s, chances are Drew Barrymore’s films were part of your cinematic upbringing. I enjoyed the 2004 rom-com 50 First Dates with its message about living each day to its fullest. So when I was invited to the premiere of 50 First Dates: The Musical, I was curious to see how this beloved story would translate to the stage.
This brand-new musical reimagines the original film with a few notable updates. For those unfamiliar: Henry meets Lucy at a local diner, and they share a perfect day. But when he returns the next morning, she doesn’t recognize him. Lucy suffers from a rare form of amnesia, causing her to relive the same day over and over. Henry, smitten, must win her heart anew — every single day.
The setting has shifted from Hawaii to Florida, and Henry is now a travel blogger chasing “the perfect day” in each city, rather than a marine vet (so no walrus sidekick this time). The show nods to influencer culture and even throws in a reference to the new American pope. I appreciated how the musical delved deeper into the characters’ backstories — Lucy’s grief over her mother’s death, and Henry’s fear of commitment shaped by his parents’ relationship — adding emotional depth to the romance.
Writers David Rossmer and Steve Rosen began developing the show with director Casey Nicholaw during the pandemic. Nicholaw, a multi-Tony Award winner is known for adapting films to stage like Mean Girls, Aladdin, and Hercules. They were drawn to the story’s central theme: what happens when life changes overnight? How do we keep going, and where do we find hope?
Georgina Castle (Mean Girls) plays Lucy with warmth and vulnerability, while Josh St. Clair (Ghost) brings charm to Henry. One particularly moving scene sees Lucy tear pages from her diary — a record of their relationship — while pleading with Henry to help her. While the cast is strong, some roles felt underused. Natasha O’Brien, as Henry’s agent, steals every scene she’s in despite limited stage time. I would’ve loved to see more from Aiesha Naomi and Ricky Rojas, who play the diner owners and Lucy’s mother’s best friend — especially given their role in maintaining Lucy’s daily routine.
The musical’s heart shines through, even if the songs themselves don’t linger long after the curtain falls. That said, there are standout moments. Chad Saint Louis, as a Disney-obsessed waiter, had the audience giggling during the ballad “Key Largo” as the ensemble dance with fishing rods and high kicks. Aiesha Naomi Pease’s rendition of “Happy Sunday” was another highlight. A touching touching scene is where Henry enlists the community to record a message for Lucy.
The costumes and set design evoke Florida’s laid-back charm — think bright floral shirts, bum bags, and beachwear. Fly Davis’ set transforms from Lucy’s weathered wooden house to the interior of the diner. The most striking moment arrives when paintings of Henry appear all at once — prompting audible gasps from the audience around me.
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a heart of gold, you’ll enjoy 50 First Dates: The Musical.
Now playing at The Other Palace until 16 November 2025.
Address: The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street
London, SW1E 5JA
Website: https://theotherpalace.co.uk
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Written by Caitlin Neal
