Review ! Jersey Boys Tour 2026 New Wimbledon Theatre

Its hard to believe that Jersey Boys is celebrating its 20th anniversary (mostly because I was there at the original West End production in 2008). Many jukebox musicals have come and gone over the years, but it’s clear to see why Jersey Boys has stood the test of time. Not only does it boast an indestructible songbook, but it’s also a tightly written piece featuring the mob, Joe Pesci, breaking and entering, and the streetwise grit that defined the group long before the chart-topping success.

Whilst most jukebox musicals choose one central narrator to anchor the plot, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman’s witty and structurally audacious book divides the show into four seasons (aptly), giving each member of the band the chance to tell their story and, in turn, lending the show a wonderfully varied voice. Tommy DeVito (played with Sopranos-like grit by Carlo Boumouglbay) takes us through the band's rise before handing over to the charmingly gauche Bob Gaudio, played in scene-stealing form by Toby Miles. We’re also treated to the enigmatic and monosyllabic Nick Massi, with events ultimately brought to a close by frontman Frankie Valli.

Despite the doo-wop love songs and absolute crowd-pleasing bangers, the show never shies away from the darkness and the murky connections that surrounded the band. Many jukebox musicals that have followed have heavily sanitised their subject matter (I’m looking at you, Sinatra), but here the real-life mafia boss Gyp DeCarlo, played with quiet gravitas by Fed Zanni, is given genuine weight in shaping the band's highs and lows. "Why isn't he standing there talking to me?" asks DeCarlo when Tommy’s debts come back to haunt them. "Because he can't sing My Mother's Eyes like I can," Frankie deftly replies.

Despite the inherent strengths of the piece itself, whether it’s the sharp writing or Des McAnuff’s slick and uncluttered direction, Jersey Boys will always be only as good as its central quartet. Thankfully, all four performers prove themselves worthy successors. Their harmonies are superb throughout, with Walk Like a Man emerging as an undeniable showstopper. The show spends its opening 40 minutes withholding the biggest hits from us—a smart choice, because by the time our four leads don the iconic red jackets for the first time, the audience is firmly in the palm of their hands. It’s a moment of genuine theatrical electricity, and one that I suspect will be replicated throughout the show's nationwide run.

Luke Baker probably has the hardest job of the night in the role of Frankie Valli. Not only does he have to replicate Valli’s distinctive falsetto, which he does with aplomb, but the script doesn't place him at the forefront until the final third of the show. Despite some initial reservations about his stage presence, Baker grows into the role, injecting real pathos into the second act. He’s also particularly adept at bringing fresh colour to the songbook, most notably in a yearning rendition of Bye Bye Baby..

There are shortcomings. If I had to fault the writing, I would say the female characters are not as well served. Sydnie Hocknell makes a strong impression in her early scenes as Mary Delgado, but sadly isn’t given much more to do as the show turns its attention away from Frankie’s family. This proves to be a misstep, as a key emotional moment towards the climax of Act Two isn't afforded quite the weight it deserves. However, this is only a minor quibble in what is a hugely slick and polished production that reminds us exactly why Jersey Boys remains a great night out at the theatre. Oh, what a night, some would say⭐⭐⭐⭐

Written By Alex Farley on behalf of The Theatre Flyer