Reviewers are loving the world premiere of 13 Going On 30: The Musical, a new stage adaptation of the popular 2004 Jennifer Garner film. The show features a former star from the West End production of Wicked. Currently playing at the Manchester Opera House, the musical is written by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who also wrote the original movie. To add to the excitement, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner have composed new songs, and Jennifer Garner is involved as an executive producer. Critics are describing the show as feeling “thirty, flirty and thriving”.
Lucie Jones, known for appearing on The X Factor in 2009 and later playing Elphaba in the London production of Wicked, is now starring as Jenna Rink. Early reviews following the premiere last night have especially praised her performance.
The Manchester Evening News gave the show a shining five-star review, praising the performer as someone who “completely wows with charisma and vocal agility.” They described the show overall as a “flawless mix of humour and pure nostalgia, with some tear-jerker moments”.
What to Read Next
I thought The Guardian really hit the nail on the head when they called Gemma Jones’ performance “lovably goofy” – it was *perfect*! And honestly, I was so impressed with the younger actors too; they were described as “excellent,” and I totally agree – they were fantastic in the show! Definitely a highlight.
WhatsOnStage awarded the musical four stars, describing it as knowingly embracing its own delightful extravagance. They wrote that it’s “big, bright, and gloriously over the top” – a thoroughly enjoyable, if somewhat frivolous, production.
Another glowing four-star review, this time from West End Best Friend, praised Jones as “utterly perfect.” They also highlighted her co-star, David Hunter (who took on the role originally made famous by Mark Ruffalo), saying he “blows the roof off with exceptional vocals.”
Theatre Weekly praised the show, stating: “The performances from the leads are powerful, and its heartwarming, reminiscent style suggests it has the potential to become a truly memorable stage musical.”
This fresh take on the film was originally shared in 2023. Goldsmith and Yuspa explained then: “We never expected that when we put our awkward teenage experiences into the movie 13 Going on 30, it would still be popular today-being shown by parents to their children, used as a Halloween costume, featured in an Ariana Grande music video, and enjoyed at teen sleepovers. “
We are so excited to share 13 Going on 30 The Musical with audiences across the Atlantic! We’re eager for a new generation to enjoy Razzles and experience that feeling of being thirty, flirty, and thriving.
So, last year I got super excited because Garner actually got back together with Ruffalo and Judy Greer! It was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie – it was awesome seeing them all together again. It really brought back memories.
13 Going On 30 is streaming on Netflix and Prime Video in the UK.
13 Going On 30: The Musical is currently showing at the Manchester Opera House and will run until October 12th. You can purchase tickets now.
The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Gaga in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- RAVEN2 redeem codes and how to use them (October 2025)
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Delta Force Best Settings and Sensitivity Guide
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Boss Rush Season 2-2 Guide and Tips
- Ben Stiller Nearly Played a Doctor in Severance Season 1
- Ninja Arashi 2 Shadow’s Return expands the hit ARPG sequel with more content, ahead of Ninja Arashi 3’s launch later this year
- Kingdom Rush Battles Hero Tier List
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Promises More ‘Adventure’ in the Final 2 Seasons
2025-10-01 20:49