The Reviews For 13 Going On 30 Are In!
Thirty, flirty and a hit with the critics!
Want to know a secret? 13 Going on 30: The Musical may just be the sweetest musical we've ever known! The beloved rom-com has traded its big-screen glittery antics for the Manchester Opera House stage.
Based on the 2004 Jennifer Garner hit, the story follows awkward teen Jenna Rink, who wakes up overnight in a grown-up's body only to find that being thirty, flirty, and thriving isn't quite the dream she imagined.
Leading the cast is West End star Lucie Jones, accompanied by catchy new tunes from Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner - but what did the critics think of this 2000s adaptation?
13 Going On 30 Reviews
"13 Going on 30 the Musical plays at the Manchester Opera House until the 12th of October, and is truly fun for all the family. You don't need to have watched the original film to have a great night watching this production; in fact, you may enjoy it more without knowing what this version has left out." Theatre and Tonic
"13 Going on 30 the Musical is a joyous, feel-good musical. It's not without its flaws lyrically, and a larger physical wouldn't have gone amiss, but this production boasts an outstanding cast (assembled by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting and Keston & Keston), and you are guaranteed to leave tapping your feet with a smile on your face, wanting to start living in the here and now.'" West End Best Friend
"The essential takeaway that you should embrace your true self, dorkiness and all is simple and saccharine. But occasional knowing winks cut through the sentimentality, and the performers bring much-needed charm to the earnest material. Lucie Jones is lovably goofy as Jenna, contrasted with David Hunter's world-weary Matty a man who no longer believes in soulmates and fireworks and Grace Mouat's deliciously catty turn as Jenna's frenemy Lucy. They're often accompanied on stage by the excellent young cast as reminders of the more hopeful, innocent versions of themselves they've left behind." The Guardian
"The highlight of the show much like the film is the cast. Lucie Jones and David Hunter, who previously played the leads in Waitress, have reunited (check out my interview with the duo to hear about their casting process). Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo gave such raw, memorable performances in the movie, and Lucie and David, two of the best stars of the stage right now, are worthy successors. Heck, Jennifer has even complimented Lucie on Instagram!" Jadar
"A joyful, upbeat and tightly executed production hampered mostly by the inextricable ghost of its well-beloved predecessor. 13 Going on 30 is a fun night at the theatre and a great showcase of talent." The Reviews Hub
"It's fun, flirty and colourful, and the audience on gala night lapped it up with much whooping and hollering even before a note was sung." The Bury Times
"Judging by the laughter, cheers, and standing ovation, this is a show that truly resonates. Whether you grew up loving the original movie or are discovering Jenna Rink's story for the first time, 13 Going on 30: The Musical promises an evening of nostalgia, fun, and pure joy." I Love Manchester
"Put simply, the adaptation just works. It perfectly balances the nostalgia of the early 2000s film with fresh originality. It carefully honours the film's most iconic moments, including the night-out dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller' and memorable one-liners, with colourful visuals and somewhat dated outfits proving exactly what you'd expect from a story rooted in the noughties." Manchester Evening News
