Set against the backdrop of 18th Century England, the new musical is based on the haunting true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol and is an epic tale of forbidden love during the persecution people faced for hundreds of years.
William, a man from humble beginnings, is swept up in a hurricane of passion and danger when he meets Richard, a sailor visiting the town. This meeting forces both men to question everything they knew about the world and themselves.
Review by Richard Lambert
Review: Redcliffe
Redcliffe is, quite possibly, one of the most important new musicals of our time.
Based on the true events of 1752, when men could be hanged simply for loving another man and their families ostracised alongside them, it tells a story that feels chillingly relevant today. As the world edges ever closer towards nationalism, intolerance and the politics of division, Redcliffe serves as a powerful reminder that rights won can also be rights lost. If Russell T Davies’ television drama Tip Toe is a wake-up call, then Redcliffe is its theatrical counterpart.
For anyone who believes serious historical drama should only exist as a play, think again. This musical proves that song can amplify emotion in ways spoken dialogue alone often cannot. It is heartbreaking, uplifting, funny and utterly devastating.
The first act is full of warmth and humour. The characters are wonderfully drawn and effortlessly likeable, allowing us to relax into their world. We laugh with them, invest in them and celebrate their friendships. Which is precisely why the second act hits with such force. Love blossoms, desires are explored and one seemingly innocent encounter with a sailor sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything.
From there, the emotional rollercoaster barely pauses for breath. The twists are shocking, the heartbreak is genuine, and by the final scenes there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The production itself is exceptional. A live band, discreetly positioned on a mezzanine level, creates a rich, cinematic score that fills the auditorium without ever overwhelming it. Combined with an immersive soundscape, this feels every inch a West End production—and in truth, surpasses many currently playing there.
Every member of the cast delivers glorious vocals and beautifully judged performances. Jordan Luke Gage’s writing is outstanding, balancing humour, romance and tragedy with remarkable confidence. Paul Foster’s direction keeps the storytelling taut, while Emma Woods’ choreography flows seamlessly through the production. Haruka Kuroda’s fight and intimacy direction is exquisitely crafted, making every moment land.
The transformation of Southwark Playhouse is astonishing. The familiar venue becomes something entirely different, creating an immersive experience that immediately unsettles and draws the audience into eighteenth-century Bristol. The staging is complemented by superb lighting that continually surprises, while perfectly controlled haze creates breathtaking beams, silhouettes and texture without ever becoming intrusive.
Everything works in harmony. Every creative department is operating at the top of its game.
The final image lingers long after the lights fade. The boys walk through a billowing silk cloth surrounded by fog and backlit in blinding white light from a chorus of 24 Par Cans. For a few moments the auditorium sits in stunned silence before the applause erupts, quickly becoming a full standing ovation. It feels less like appreciation and more like gratitude for having witnessed something so powerful.
Redcliffe is more than a beautifully crafted musical. It’s an important one—an unforgettable evening of theatre that entertains, devastates and quietly asks us to consider what happens when prejudice is allowed to flourish.
Don’t miss it.
Cast
Jordan Luke Gage – William
Rebecca Lock – Mother
Daniel Krikler – Richard
Jess Douglas-Welsh – Abigail
Adrian Hansel – Baber
Melissa Jacques – Georgie / Judge
Jade Johnson – Landlady
Phoebe Kyriakopoulos – Esther
Joseph Peacock – Arthur / Second Officer
Steven Serlin – Officer / Felix Farley
Creative Team
Book, Music & Lyrics – Jordan Luke Gage
Director – Paul Foster
Choreographer – Emma Woods
Set Designer – Andrew Exeter
Costume Designer – Martin Hanly
Lighting Designer – Matt Hockley
Sound Designer – Alastair Penman
Musical Supervisor – Katy Richardson
Associate Musical Director & Orchestrator – Ben Tomalin
Additional Orchestrations – Ben Ferguson
Production Manager – James Anderton
Casting Director – Will Burton CDG
Assistant Designer – Ethan Davis
Fight & Intimacy Director – Haruka Kuroda
Production Details
Venue: Southwark Playhouse Borough
Running Dates: 22 May – 4 July 2026
Book, Music & Lyrics: Jordan Luke Gage
Director: Paul Foster
Producer: Paul Taylor-Mills
Developed with support from MTFestUK, The Other Palace and Bill Kenwright Ltd.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)
Public Relations: Emma Holland PR
Production Photography: Pamela Raith