On October 29th, the air was charged with anticipation as the Adelphi Theatre was transformed once again for a one-night-only concert, this time for Defying Gravity: West End Women. The event not only celebrated women who have made their mark on the West End and around the world but also spotlighted talented performers balancing careers in show business with their most significant role yet: being mothers. Through a blend of musical performances and heartfelt stories, the evening promised to be an inspiring celebration of female talent.
The concert opened with “Opening Up” from the hit musical Waitress, which famously played at the Adelphi Theatre during its West End run. The song introduced us to the four cast members: Maggie Lynne (Wicked, Hairspray, Grease), Michelle Pentecost (Wicked, Wonderland, Evita), Tasha Sheridan (School of Rock, Mamma Mia, Carousel), and Jodie Nolan (Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Chicago). On stage, we enjoyed the fantastic, all-female band playing these iconic tunes—a welcome treat, as bands are often hidden away in the orchestra pit.
The performance continued with a wide range of hit songs from beloved musicals, including audience favorites like Les Misérables, Dear Evan Hansen, Evita, Matilda, My Fair Lady, 9 to 5, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Come From Away, and Mamma Mia! (where audience participation was encouraged, leading to enthusiastic singing and clapping) as well as Wicked, among others. This diverse setlist offered something for everyone, blending classic tunes, contemporary hits, and cult favorites.
Throughout the show, the four women shared heartfelt stories about their experiences in the industry, the significance of each song to them, and how motherhood has transformed their approach to performing. In addition to musical highlights, the performers shared personal reflections that added an intimate layer to the evening. These stories added a human element to each outstanding performance, complementing the incredible vocals showcased in solos, duets, and group numbers.
Each section of the show offered deeper insight into the women’s song choices. Some songs, like “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress, performed effortlessly by Jodie Nolan, and “He’s My Boy” from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, sung by Michelle Pentecost, reflected the profound connection between mother and child. In particular, Pentecost’s delivery of the line “he’s my voice” stood out, and it was later revealed that her son, who is non-verbal and has autism, is the inspiration behind her moving performance. This added a poignant depth to her rendition.
Another deeply personal segment featured the cast performing songs from musicals they had each starred in before. A standout was the powerful duet version of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” which made me long for Evita’s return to the West End. Meanwhile, “Where Did the Rock Go?” from School of Rock had my friend wishing she’d caught the show.
The most inspiring segment was “Dream Roles,” where each woman selected songs from a musical she has yet to perform in but hopes to one day. Tasha Sheridan chose the heart-wrenching “My House” from Matilda, perfectly capturing Miss Honey’s warmth and resilience. Maggie Lynne powerfully delivered “World Burn” from Mean Girls, embodying the vengeful spirit of the infamous Regina George. This segment was a deeply moving experience, and I sincerely hope these talented women one day get the chance to play their dream roles.
Although this show initially wasn’t on my radar, I was glad to see the theatre full of support for these women—it was a magical musical night out. It’s beautiful to see the creation of a space (in this case, a show) that captures the pure talent of these women, who prove we “can do it all” if we want to, though it takes work, dedication, and love. I hope the West End continues to create spaces like this.
This show is sadly nearing the end of its tour, but if you missed the London performance, there are still two more chances to catch this incredible concert next month in Great Malvern and Sheffield.
I am giving this show 4 stars.
Sounds and Stage
