Our review of Hedwig and the Angry Inch
There is only one Hedwig - and this is it!
Unmissable, intoxicating, iconic
An unmissable, almost immersive experience!
Reviewed by Wendy on May 3rd 2015
Great night out for: groups of friends and those on a date-night with a difference
Best bit: So many to choose from, though would have to say the very first moment Hedwig picks up the microphone and starts the singing (slash screaming) the almost violent song 'Angry Inch'
Who would enjoy this show? Not just for Hedwig die-hards, lovers of modern rock music and Underground cultures will love it too!
Morning after effect: Not being able to get the sight of Darren Criss (the Hedwig star when I saw it) in leather hot pants out of my head
Verdict: We give it five out of five stars
There is only one Hedwig - and this is it!
Seeing Hedwig and the Angry Inch live on-stage is an unmissable, almost immersive experience of the musical theatre of today. Loud, unashamed, and in your face, it's a raw and unforgettable portrayal of a person trying to find their place in life - no matter who's currently wearing the boots! And undoubtedly a revival people will be talking about for years to come.
From the moment Hedwig explodes on-stage, screaming out the lyrics to the opening song 'Tear Me Down', you know you're in for a wild ride, as she literally climbs over the audience in the front-row, sweating as she pulls their faces close to hers. If that's not already a warning sign let me put it simply - Hedwig isn't for the fainthearted! Or those who are offended by sexual innuendo or vulgar behaviour. Hedwig is, and does, all of those things but that's why we love her and just can't tear our eyes away as she tells us her life story and slowly unravels before our eyes.
The show is setup as a rock concert taking place at the Belasco Theatre, with Hedwig addressing the audience directly between songs. This gives the production an amazing immersive quality - you're not just watching a Hedwig concert, you're part of it! Your cheers spur her on and often earn that night's crowd some brilliant impromptu one-liners. In fact each night is slightly different from the one before, just as each new star to play Hedwig brings their own unique spirit to the role.
And although the Hedwig's to-date have been big name actors, the show is so, so much more than who's currently wearing the wig. In a way it doesn't matter whether you saw Neil, Darren, or Taye - you're still experiencing one of the most energetic and talked-about revivals, if not musicals, Broadway has ever seen. You're experiencing true theatre history.