The Curious Case of Benjamin Button An Ordinary Musical.

Advertised as an “Ordinary Musical” The Curious Case of Benjamin Button proves to be an extraordinary production. Set in a small coastal Cornish village a much-awaited child is born to Mary Button (Philippa Hogg) and Roger Button (Benedict Salter). However, Benjamin (John Dalgeish) is born with the physical appearance of a seventy-year-old man.

The couple are shocked and disgusted by Benjamin and hide him away in the Attic room of their home. Neither take the time to talk to him or attempt to understand what has happened to them and reject him.

Dalgeish’s performance as Benjamin is exceptional the transformation throughout the play from an old man using a stick to a young teenager offers a believable transition that you aren’t consciously aware of taking place. By the end of the musical, you can see him become younger in appearance. While Clare Foster in the role of the local barmaid who Benjamin falls in love with and later becomes his wife Elowen Keene becomes older in appearance. The changes are subtle yet effective.

Costume designer Anna Kelsey captured the local cornish clothing style. From the weather-beaten fisherman’s outfits which looked as if they had seen many a day at sea, the old fashioned suit worn by the older Benjamin to the modern outfit wore by Lanow Button (Elliott Mackenzie) Benjamin and Elowen’s son.

Book and Lyrics by Jethro Compton are faultless. The music will have you tapping your feet and being swept away in the beautiful love story. Along with also working as the director and stage designer.

The couple do not have to have a happy ever after. The story concentrates on living in the moment and they most certainly do that. There is plenty to learn from the tear-jerking musical. Life is for living regardless of the hand life has dealt you and enjoying the happy moments when they happen.

Whether you are a musical fan or not The Curious Case of Benjamin Button An Ordinary Musical is a production that shouldn’t be missed. Everything about this musical is faultless. The entire cast is superb. Simply one of the best productions I have watched in 2024 and would strongly recommend seeing it. It is one of a handful of musicals that I will try to see again.