Last Updated on June 25, 2026
Frank Sinatra Comes to Town
4.0 out of 5.0 starsSinatra the Musical has just opened in the West End, following its 2023 Birmingham Rep premiere. Written by the two-time Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro and directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall. This much-anticipated biographical jukebox musical depicts a pivotal period of Frank Sinatra’s life during the 40s and 50s, underpinned by over 20 of his best-known songs.
Thankfully, I’m not quite old enough to have grown up with Sinatra, but I do remember lazy Sunday afternoons spent watching him in old Hollywood films. Sinatra was one of those rare stars who seemed larger than life, one of the first true pop stars, crafting a public image that felt bigger than music itself. With the great voice came a big personality and a super-slick style that captured the hearts of America
Sinatra the Musical opens on New Year’s Eve in 1942, in New York’s Paramount Theatre, the moment when Sinatra’s career began to rocket. This polished production takes you through his meteoric rise to fame and the strain it put on his family life and his relationship with his wife, Nancy.
Joel Harper-Jackson, as Frank Sinatra, has big shoes to fill. Sitting just three rows from the front, I was aware he was no physical carbon copy; he didn’t have Sinatra’s mischievous twinkle in his eye, but he’s an all-rounder with a tremendous voice and captures the swagger and essence of this iconic figure.
The narrative takes us through Frank’s more challenging years, first his inability to resist the temptation of Hollywood starlets, which is amusingly presented in a bed-hopping scene with a string of stars, including Lana Turner, Judy Garland, and Marlene Dietrich, to the tune of “Come Fly With Me”. But it was his legendary affair with Ava Gardner that really rocked his marriage. Meanwhile, his career dips, and he hits the bottle. He reached an all-time low before finding his way back in 1954, landing a role in From Here to Eternity (which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) as a hot-headed Italian-American soldier, Private Angelo Maggio.
Phoebe Panaretos delivers a powerful yet poignant portrayal of Sinatra’s wife, Nancy, who serves as the emotional anchor. Jenna Russell’s commanding performance as the Italian matriarch Dolly Sinatra can, at times, steal the show. In her shadow, husband Marty (Marty Maguire) gets his chance to shine in the second act. Ana Villafañe successfully depicts Ava Gardner’s magnetism and striking independence, which Sinatra fell for, while Nancy was left to raise the family alone.
Kathleen Marshall’s choreography is confident and sharp, with a touch of swing-era flair, and beautifully executed by the strong ensemble, who showcase a fabulous array of 40s frocks designed by Jon Morrell. Peter McKintosh’s set is simple, with a low staircase and cinematic projections which transport you through numerous locations, enhanced by Bruno Poet’s spectacular lighting design.
Sinatra has plenty of oomph, but ultimately falls short in its storytelling, glossing over key moments and leaving me wanting more depth and emotional weight. The second act, however, is much stronger than the first. But what really brings this show to life and provides the razzle-dazzle is Gareth Valentine’s fantastic 17-piece onstage band, with orchestrations by Larry Blank and arrangements by Valentine and Ian Eisendrath. The soaring brass section and rhythmic swing create an infectious energy that goes hand in hand with some of Sinatra’s greatest hits, including “My Way”. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, and “That’s Life”.
Have no doubt, Sinatra the Musical is uplifting and full of joy, a proper night out on the tiles, and I suspect it won’t just be Sinatra fans who enjoy this heartwarming show. The grand finale, “New York, New York,” had the audience in the palm of its hand, sending everyone home on a high.
Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
Until 10 April 2027
Check our previews for more London West End Shows in 2026
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