“We can all relate to a version of Drew in the story”: A preview of We Aren’t Kids Anymore at Savoy Theatre
Launching at the Savoy Theatre in London, We Aren’t Kids Anymore premiered on a sunny April evening in a room filled with journalists and musical joy. The press day on the 28th April offered attendees an insight into a more developed version of Drew Gasparini’s coming-of-age musical production. Backed by the Norwich Theatre, where the production originally ran, the production grew in a “safe and supportive environment from the grassroots”.
Gasparini released a range of songs for a concept album back in 2020, but for the Savoy Theatre, the performance has been reworked entirely: there isn’t just one Drew chasing a dream, but multiple Drews, who chronicle the struggle of chasing a dream, getting that dream and falling from grace.
At the centre of the musical is social media star and musical phenomenon Dylan Mulvaney, known for her Days of Girlhood series and its original song of the same name. For an interview with Wakathemusical, Mulvaney talked all things We Aren’t Kids. She said the musical feels like a “beautiful fresh start,” and she loves being able to “perform in [her] identity”. Mulvaney takes on the role of one of the versions of Drew, one who has explored fame and struggles with identity.
Directed by Jake Smith (Cinderella: A Fairytale, West End Girls), the show delves into themes of coming-of-age, from forming your ambitions and struggling with your path to being knocked by personal struggles (addiction, to be exact). Smith witnessed the musical as an audience member back in 2024. He explains that the performance and songs feel like the “soundtrack of a generation”, which is why the five-person band sits at centre stage among the action.
Smith acknowledges that the casting is intentional, with people of all genders (Mulvaney being transgender), races and ages playing a version of Drew. Furthermore, Drew is a representation of all of us at different stages in life, irrespective of our identifying traits: we can all relate to a version of Drew in the story. Drew being autobiographical for Gasparini is just a means to an end for the audience, who find their own ways to relate to Drew.
The fantastically choreographed performance features standout musical numbers like When I Go, a relatable and optimistic tune about leaving a lasting legacy and making an impact on the world. As for the favourite Drews for this writer, Melanie La Barrie plays a standout version of the comedic Drew, who teeters on the edge between basking in his dreams and questioning them entirely.
The music, which is a mixture of genres, is crafted by Gasparini and offers audiences a contemporary take on how different life stages can look in the 21st century. Optimism and youth are characterised by upbeat choreography and jazzy-style numbers, while the deeper and more reflective numbers, Little Sister and Mom Could Play Guitar, are littered with gentle vocals and piano.
The UK premiere of We Aren’t Kids Anymore promises the audience a relatable experience, blending genres and identities that people from all walks of life can enjoy.
Sophie Humphrey
Photos: Danny Kaan
We Aren’t Kids Anymore is at the Savoy Theatre from 28th April 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS