Culture Theatre

Motown the Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre

Motown the Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre | Theatre review

Having become a popular part of the London theatre district over the past few months, Motown the Musical is truly entertaining UK audiences of all ages. With a huge array of internationally renowned songs and a talented and well-selected cast, this musical is set to be a staple of the West End until early next year.

Creatively directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, the show tells the inspirational story of Barry Gordy, a man who broke down barriers and fought against the odds to bring his musical dreams to life. As well as showcasing the Motown music that made history, the production explores the personal relationships forged and the professional struggle encountered in this major musical movement. The audience are shown what happened behind the scenes of the careers of their favourite artists.

What particularly sets this production apart is its portrayal of some of the world’s best-loved tracks. Spectators cheer as they recognise the first notes of songs such as Heard It Through the Grapevine, Signed, Sealed, Delivered and I Want you Back. During a rendition of Diana Ross’ Reach Out and Touch, audience members are even invited on-stage to show off their vocal skills. By the final number, London’s theatregoers can’t wait to jump up from their seats to dance and sing along – and would have probably gone on all night if permitted.   

Depicting the Motown story in a couple of hours is a tough feat, and the storyline behind the famous tunes does sometimes seem a little rushed. Nevertheless, Motown the Musical successfully portrays the dedication, drama and talent of all of the artists and creatives who drove the Motown label to become the sound of a generation. Every single cast member does their character justice (from Stevie Wonder to Smokey Robinson to Diana Ross) and are set to continue bringing London an enjoyable and upbeat performance.

Laura Ewing

Motown the Musical is on at Shaftesbury Theatre from 11th February 2016 until 18th February 2017. Book your tickets here.

More in Theatre

The Midnight Bell at Sadler’s Wells

Christina Yang

King of Pangea at King’s Head Theatre

Dionysia Afolabi

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre

Thomas Messner

The Lost Music of Auschwitz at Bloomsbury Theatre

Will Snell

Fiddler on the Roof at Barbican Theatre

Cristiana Ferrauti

The Perfect Bite at Gaucho City of London

Maggie O'Shea

Letters from Max at Hampstead Theatre

Selina Begum

The Frogs at Southwark Playhouse

Jim Compton-Hall

“Technique is only a vessel, what truly moves people is honesty, fragility, courage”: Adam Palka and Carolina López Moreno on Faust

Constance Ayrton