The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a musical with book and lyrics by Jethro Compton, music and lyrics by Darren Clark, and based on the 1922 short story of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Production history
Off-West End (2019, 2023)
The musical made its world premiere at the Southwark Playhouse on 15 May 2019 for a limited run until 8 June. The production was directed by Jethro Compton. The cast included James Marlowe in the titular role, alongside Matthew Burns, Rosalind Ford, Joey Hickman, and Philippa Hogg.
The production returned to the Southwark Playhouse, running from 22 May to 1 July 2023. The expanded cast included Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, Anna Fordham, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Ann Marcuson, Molly Osborne, Jamie Parker, Jack Quarton, Benedict Salter and Tonny Shim.
West End (2024-)
The musical transferred to the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End. Performances began from 10 October 2024 and the production is currently booking until August 2025. John Dagleish plays Benjamin Button with Clare Foster as Elowen Keene, and the production features the majority of the 2023 Southwark Playhouse supporting cast with the addition of Katy Ellis, Elliot Mackenzie and Emily Panes.
Plot
The musical begins at the end of World War I in a small Cornish fishing village and follows Benjamin's life as he ages in reverse through the twentieth century. As in the original short story, Benjamin Button is born as an old man and ages backwards.
Cast and characters
Musical numbers
Critical reception
The musical received five-star reviews from WhatsOnStage, Broadway World, The Reviews Hub and The Upcoming. Its 2023 revival won the 2024 Offies award for best musical production.
Awards and nominations
References
