The Aldwych Theatre in London welcomes Frank Sinatra back to the West End with a confident portrayal by Joel Harper-Jackson, brimming with style and an abundance of his iconic songs. However, despite the musical’s energetic premise and a charismatic lead, the script struggles to truly capture the essence of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
First staged in Birmingham three years ago and subsequently refined, this Frank Sinatra biographical musical has now landed in the West End, injecting the stage with the vibrant energy of a big band. Its compelling concept centers on the star’s turbulent period in the late 1940s and early 1950s, a time when it seemed his extraordinary talent might be squandered tragically. The story opens at the Paramount Theatre, where the heartthrob appears to have it all: adoring fans, a devoted wife who cooks spaghetti, and a film with Gene Kelly poised to address the troublesome accusations of draft-dodging.
In the leading role, Joel Harper-Jackson skillfully combines smooth vocal prowess with Sinatra’s characteristic swagger, perfectly embodying the iconic head wobble and the sly, corner-of-the-mouth smirk. The singer’s well-documented susceptibility to women is presented as a comically charming character trait, leading to a playful, bed-hopping rendition of “Come Fly With Me,” featuring imagined encounters with Lana Turner, Judy Garland, and Marlene Dietrich.