The Time Traveller’s Wife: A New Musical – Apollo Theatre

Joanna Woodward and David Hunter in The Time Traveller’s Wife: A New Musical at the Apollo Theatre, London. Picture: Johan Persson

The Time Traveller’s Wife: A New Musical is booking at the Apollo Theatre, London until 2 March 2024.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

After a 2003 novel, a Hollywood film in 2009, and a TV adaptation in 2023, what more does Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveller’s Wife have to offer in the form of this new musical stage adaptation? Evidently, spectacle, innovation, heart and some of the most sensational West End performances of recent times.

This stage production has been adapted from the novel by book writer Lauren Gunderson, with music and lyrics by bona fide pop stars Joss Stone and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). Executive producer Colin Ingram recruited the female-dominated team to spearhead this new version of the story, feeling that the plot would carry more dramatic weight if the focus was shifted to the titular ‘wife’ Clare, rather than the time traveller Henry. This instinct has proven absolutely correct in the finished product.

If you are unfamiliar with the plot of The Time Traveller’s Wife, you are in the blessed position of being able to experience this new musical at its best, with each surprising twist and turn of the decades-spanning romance hitting you with full force. Despite the inevitable complexity of a time travel plot device, this show never gets bogged down with justifying its own internal logic, and it is mercifully straightforward to follow too. The story will strike a chord with anybody who has experienced love, loss, abandonment, or loneliness. Some important plot elements that may have made people a little squeamish in previous versions (what exactly are the ethics around using time travel powers to influence the course of your love life?) are handled somewhat better here, and the overwhelming impact of the show is that of a deeply human story.

Stone and Stewart’s score is unashamedly on the pop/rock side stylistically. What is lacking in harmonic sophistication or Sondheimian lyrical extravagance is balanced by the undeniable thrill of electric guitars and powerful grooves. In some pop musicals, the result can feel slightly bland or unambitious on a West End stage, but here Stone and Stewart’s work is elevated by sublime cast performances and ingenious staging by director Bill Buckhurst.

As Clare – the titular ‘wife’ – Joanna Woodward is simply outstanding. Her vocals carry echoes of Stone’s soul-inspired phrasing yet still find occasion to soar with the virtuosity of a seasoned West End and cabaret performer. However, despite her knockout musical performance, it might just be her transcendent character work that will leave the biggest impression on you. Throughout this story, Clare experiences giddying highs and heart-rending lows, and each step of her journey radiates from the Apollo Theatre’s stage with devastating authenticity and relatability.

Playing opposite Woodward as Henry the time traveller is West End favourite David Hunter. Despite the story ostensibly being presented from Clare’s perspective, Hunter makes Henry just as sympathetic. Though we may disagree with some of his choices and relate more to the pain of Clare’s experience, Hunter’s performance ensures we never forget about the challenges his time traveller faces in trying to live a normal life.

Though both performers pull off a dizzying amount of ingenious speedy costume changes as time shifts through the decades, Hunter especially has a heck of a physical task with the sheer number of illusions he performs. If there were a Noises Off-style performance of this production where the audience saw the show from backstage, we would no doubt be stunned by Hunter’s ability to almost literally be in several places at once. Act II opener ‘Journeyman’ utilises the ensemble and stunning production design to create a beautiful dance interpretation of time travel. Hunter is literally flung around the height and breadth of the stage, all while staying perfectly on key.

Playing Clare and Henry’s friends Gomez and Charisse are the hilarious Tim Mahendran and Hiba Elchikhe. With leads as strong as Woodward and Hunter, it is remarkable that every appearance of Gomez and Charisse is a welcome and total delight. They bring relief to the darker moments and perfectly complement the accessible yet thought-provoking tone for which this production aims.

Beyond the stellar performances, it is impossible not to be impressed by the ingenuity and beauty of this show. Under Buckhurst’s direction, this show is brimming with magic. Projection and video by Andrzej Goulding are seamlessly integrated into production designer Anna Fleischle’s set, and Hunter’s time-travelling is cleverly brought to life with mind-bending illusions by Chris Fisher. By Act II, this does become something of a game of “guess how they will disappear David Hunter this time!”, but there are delightful surprises right to the end.

This new British musical is a stunning example of our country’s great theatrical and musical talent firing on all cylinders to create something that will excite and enthral all who see it. Sure, it is an adaptation of an already-popular property rather than a truly original story, but the creative team has infused this show with innovative spectacle and delivered so much more than your typical movie-to-stage musical. Go for the gorgeous story you may already love, be wowed by the impeccable stagecraft, and remember the remarkable lead performances for the rest of your life.

Ian Bowkett