EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Jermyn Street Theatre

★★★★★

“an invitation into a rare, sensual, and thought-provoking world”

Everything about this show is remarkable and enchanting. Director Paul Foster and choreographer Joanna Goodwin have created a production that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant—a true triumph in modern musical theatre.

Based on the novel by Compton Mackenzie, Extraordinary Women transports us to the windswept and mysterious isle of Sirene, where a group of fiercely independent women attempt to imagine and build a life without men. It’s a story filled with irony, longing, and layers of identity, elevated by a strong creative vision and a superb ensemble cast.

The performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Sophie-Louise Dann dazzles in multiple roles, including one of the sirens. She brings nuance, wit, and warmth to each of her characters, particularly to Cleo, a talented pianist and one of the complex lovers of Rosalba. Rosalba is portrayed by the brilliant Amy Ellen Richardson, whose charisma on stage is magnetic. Her character is one you might love or hate, but Richardson’s masterful command of song, dance, and emotional range ensures you’re captivated every moment she’s on stage, and eagerly waiting for her return whenever she exits.

Equally commendable are the performances of the other sirens: Jasmine Kerr as the fiery and elegant Ligeia, Amira Matthews as the poetic and mysterious Sappho, and Monique Young as the alluring and sharp-witted Parthenope. Each brings something unique to the stage, contributing to the layered tapestry of characters living on Sirene.

The story unfolds primarily in a grand seaside villa, recently acquired by Aurora, the passionate and devoted lover of Rosalia. Aurora is portrayed with poise and emotional clarity by Caroline Sheen, who lends a grounded warmth to the character. As the summer wanes and the relationships among the women become increasingly tangled, the stakes rise and the show leans into its themes of love, loss, and reinvention.

Though the women shine throughout, special mention must be given to Jack Butterworth, who delivers five distinct roles with impressive versatility, timing, and flair. He provides essential transitions between scenes and tonal shifts, and his adaptability is one of the show’s secret weapons.

Visually, the production is breathtaking. The lighting design by Alex Musgrave is integral to the storytelling, creating a world that feels at once connected and disjointed, fluid and fractured, much like the emotions of the characters. The lighting guides the audience through dreamlike sequences and grounded moments alike, giving each scene its own emotional signature.

Musically, the show is underscored by an ethereal and melancholic motif, a lullaby drifting from a distant piano bar, played live by Sam Sommerfield and James William-Pattison. Their live music feels like a memory you can almost touch.

And then there are the costumes, particularly the sirens’, designed by Carla Joy Evans. They are a visual feast, evoking mythology, femininity, and rebellion, all at once. The effect is heightened by the ingenious set designed by Alex Marker, which captures the charm of a remote Mediterranean island, somewhere off the Gulf of Naples. Though the stage is modest in size, its impact is anything but small.

In the end, Extraordinary Women is more than just a musical, it’s an invitation into a rare, sensual, and thought-provoking world. With its stunning ensemble, unforgettable visuals, and haunting music, it lingers long after the final curtain.

A must-see.