Theatre review: Thelma & Louise, Young Vic Theatre

I’m not sure if Callie Khouri had musical theatre in mind when she wrote the original film script for Thelma & Louise. But she’s done a pretty good job of revisiting it and making us fall in love with the iconic duo all over again.

More than 30 years after Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis made the film a huge hit, Rachel Tucker as Louise and Amy Lennox as Thelma have made the roles their own. The Young Vic is also the perfect space for the show, with its wide stage allowing plenty of space for the set and action.

And of course there is plenty of action in Thelma & Louise, after the latter invites her best friend on a spontaneous weekend getaway. A trip which goes awry after an encounter with a stranger at a bar. No, it’s not an obvious choice for a musical. Attempted rape, murder, domestic abuse and double suicide don’t exactly sound like topics to sing about. But it works.

Ultimately, Thelma & Louise is a story about the power of female friendship and is a feminist road trip for the ages. Though the lack of a car on set was a bit odd. The songs, written by Niko Case, also aren’t likely to be particularly memorable for me, but they did a good job of telling the story.

Both leads are exceptional singers, backed by a sterling cast. Jordan Luke Cage shines in the original Brad Pitt role of JD. And I also loved Trevor Dion Nicholas as Hal, the empathetic Arkansas detective who ends up on the trail of Thelma & Louise.

Callie Khouri won an Oscar for Thelma & Louise, which astonishingly was the first screenplay she’d written. Thirty-plus years later, based on the audience response when I saw it, I think she might have another hit on her hands.

Thelma & Louise is playing at the Young Vic until 24 October. For more reviews of theatre, art, exhibitions, comedy and music, check the Arts section of my blog.