‘I’m a Journeyman!…’ Time Travellers Wife, Apollo Theatre, London. 03.02.2024

My first viewing of the year, I was thankful that it was one that I was interested in seeing and lucky that my friend had kindly been treated with 2 of our other friends to a night in London as a birthday treat! After a splendid afternoon tea, it was off to the Apollo Theatre for the evenings performance of new musical The Time Traveller’s Wife.

With the book by Lauren Guderson and joined with music and lyrics by Joss Stone and Dave Stewart, the stage musical is based on the best selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the 2009 film. Henry and Clare’s relationship is like no other. And yet, it’s like all others. Clare is a talented sculptor and Henry is – well – a time traveller. They meet, fall in love, and marry – but not in that order. Flung apart by time but united by love, Henry is always trying to get back to Clare. Their journey is one of resilience, impossibilities and trying to hold on to each other when everything is pulling you apart..(Official London Theatre).

Having read the novel and adored it during lockdown, a present I was given by my sister who also couldn’t put the book down. It was a powerful story that drew you in to the magic but the love in each word. I was so intrigued how it would transfer to stage, having avoided the film and tv series as so far they had not been successful in reflecting the book. Unfortunately, the stage production did not live up to the book with so much of the plot and storyline cut down and broken up – if you didn’t read the book itself the story line of the stage musical is a little, confusing. It lacked in depth and felt at times rushed and messy. partnered with songs that unfortunately except for one or two were unrememberable. I feel it is time that maybe the story, should remain on paper and not something else.

That being said, the effects that the musical gave from were very impressive which was understandable being the producers were those that brought you Ghost the Musical, and Back to the Future. The times that Henry travelled in time were exciting and leaves you guessing – how did they do that?! The costume changes also were effective and well received.

Although, the story itself was not up to scratch that’s not to say that the performers lacked but ensured their talent was shown. Alex Lodge stepped into the leading man role of Henry, who was a loveable character with a warm voice that the audience could enjoy. His Clare, played by Joanna Woodward partnered with Alex perfectly and the relationship between them was perfect and Joanna’s voice was beautiful.

The two close friends Charisse played by Hiba Elchikhe and Tim Mahendran as Gomez, were great fun and gave the comical side each time they performed, ‘A Woman’s Intuition’ was a personal highlight.

The cast carried the show, with amazing talent. It was just such a shame that the book is a tricky one to achieve. It was sad that it closed earlier than expected, there has since been no news on whether a revival or a tour. So maybe The Time Traveller’s Wife will remain as it is best, as an amazing book!