Last Updated on October 9, 2026
A joyful West End celebration of the man behind some of popular music’s most unforgettable songs
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Don Black’s From the Heart was always going to be especially special for me. I have a particular affection for Don Black, as back in the late 80s and 90s, my boyfriend was in the music business and worked closely with Don’s sons, Grant and Clive Black, both of whom have forged successful careers in the industry. Now producer Clive Black is bringing his father’s dream to life on stage.
Don Black may not be a household name, but his songs certainly are. From James Bond to Michael Jackson, Lulu to Andrew Lloyd Webber, his lyrics have been part of the soundtrack of popular culture for more than five decades. Now, at 88, the Oscar-winning lyricist has brought his own story to the West End stage. Press night at the Garrick Theatre was buzzing. Many in the audience were on the older side. Still, a good sprinkling of younger faces were there too, discovering for themselves just how many iconic songs this extraordinarily talented man has written.
From the Heart invites us into Don’s world, tracing a remarkable musical career that began in the 1960s. His early love of New York’s off-Broadway cabaret and revue scene became a major influence on his work, and, as Don explains, it has taken years to bring the show to the stage.
Simply staged, with a central rostrum featuring musical director Joseph Church on piano and Oliver Copeland on double bass, the production lets the music take centre stage, under Nick Barstow’s musical supervision. The arrangements are rousing and beautifully orchestrated, while Ben Cracknell’s lighting adds just the right touch of drama.
Directed and choreographed with a natural flow by Nick Winston, From the Heart is a touching portrait of a life in music, brought to life by a hugely talented, star-studded cast. The line-up includes Olivier Award-nominated Frances Mayli McCann, EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty, celebrated performer Caroline O’Connor, Olivier Award winner Clive Rowe and two-time Olivier Award nominee Michael D. Xavier.
The show opens and closes with its powerful title song, ‘From the Heart’, composed by David Arnold. In between, a mix of old and new songs charts Black’s career, weaving together emotional and comic tales of love and loss, fierce ambition and resilience.
Don narrates the story in a voiceover, making it feel personal and often poignant.
He talks movingly about his long and happy marriage to Shirley, and the loss he has felt since her death eight years ago. The heart-warming ballad ‘I’d Go to Bed Earlier’ is a touching tribute to her. He also speaks about his sons and the remarkably stable family life he has enjoyed, something Van Morrison once pointed out to him, observing that his own life had been rather different.
But when it comes to telling a good story, Don is in his element, drawing on a wealth of wonderful observations and anecdotes and his natural gift for comedy. Take ‘Doctors’, in which a man is advised to give up all his vices but is far too fond of the good life to comply. Clive Rowe delivers it with mischievous energy. Fizzy or Still offers an amusing tale about two men in AA, while ‘Straight Men’ takes a humorous look at the shortage of old-fashioned straight blokes, sung with relish by the female performers.
The cast of five is uniformly impressive. Shona McGarty demonstrates a real flair for musical theatre, while Frances Mayli McCann has both the presence and the voice to make ‘Things a Lady Shouldn’t Do’ a standout. Caroline O’Connor commands the stage with ‘The Reluctant Star’, which touches on a theme Don reflects on himself: performers may crave success and fame, but when it arrives, it doesn’t necessarily make life any easier. Michael D. Xavier brings plenty of presence, while I particularly loved Clive Rowe’s impeccable comic timing.
Each performance also features a guest star, and there was great excitement when Michael Ball took to the stage on press night to sing ‘Love Changes Everything’.
Those who have come to hear some of Black’s most celebrated songs won’t be disappointed. Don Black’s From The Heart ends on a high with a fantastic medley of much-loved classics, from Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’ to ‘Diamonds Are Forever ‘and ‘Born Free’.
From the Heart is a lyrical, theatrical treat that deserves to be seen and heard. A burst of joy with a generous touch of nostalgia, it’s a celebration of songs and stories. Catch it while you can, as it’s only playing for a limited time.
Garrick Theatre,
2 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0HH
Thursday 8 October – Sunday 18 October 3pm & 7.30pm
Please note: Saturday 10 October, 3pm performance includes a post-show book signing with Don Black.
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