Groundhog Day, The Musical
A few words about the creators
A play by Danny Rubin (yes, one of the original screenwriters of the film!) with a score by Tim Minchin, and directed by Matthew Warchus.
Tim Minchin is a well-known figure in the world of British culture as a boundary-pushing musician and comedian.
Tim is also behind the acclaimed musical Matilda, which has been running successfully in the West End for a number of years, and in which Matthew Warchus and Tim Minchin also collaborated.
You are definitely in for a treat!
The Plot
Based on the film Groundhog Day: In Groundhog Day, a cynical, self-absorbed weatherman who resents everything and everyone, Phil Connors, played by Andy Karl, is doomed to live the same day, the second of February, over and over again in a small, remote town in the middle of nowhere, repeating the same day until he redeems himself.
The musical is interwoven with songs and comic scenes that play on the repetition of time: the way each day changes from the day before, and the way Phil behaves.
He even tries to kill himself in various ways and still comes back to wake up on that damned day.
Having tried everything, sleeping with a beauty, getting drunk, committing suicide, going to jail and so whatnot, he tries to win the heart of the producer’s assistant assigned to him for the day, Rita.
During the courtship he gets to know her deeply. Knowing her changes him and his perception of his reality and the world he lives in.
Didn’t we say romantic comedy?
Here is a taste of the show:
The cast, the set, the score and the audience response
The musical is full of humour and wit and just about every trick in the book is woven into it: from the hero’s disappearing tricks to levitation, special use of perspective, use of TV screens, spinning floor, breaking the fourth wall, snow and some very cool choreography by Peter Darling that includes number steps.
The music is on the borderline of American country-folk appropriate to the place and time, with pop ballads and contemporary music.
The cast was outstanding and varied.
The set was special and sophisticated but not over the top; effective and its use was careful and clever.
It is obvious that a lot of time, money and thought has gone into this musical and judging by the way it was received by the audience, with loud cheers and standing ovations, it seems that this will not be the last time this musical is presented here in London!
Tickets & More Information
Tickets can be found at the London Theatre Direct. and are available until 12 Aug 2023.
Recommended for over 12 years of age.
Heads-up: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The musical runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes, including intermission.
Click here to check out the reviews