HOT
Entertainment Now
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Comedy
  • Music
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Theatre
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Edinburgh Festivals
Entertainment Now
No Result
View All Result
Home Theatre

Theatre Review: Dear Evan Hansen – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Alex Copeland by Alex Copeland
May 8, 2025
in Theatre
2 0
0
Theatre Review: Dear Evan Hansen – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
2
SHARES
88
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Some shows aim to just entertain. Dear Evan Hansen does that – but then quietly breaks your heart when you least expect it. 

It opens simply – Evan alone at his desk – and it’s not immediately obvious how clever the staging is. But as the story unfolds, the set comes into its own.

Screens, phone calls, messages and social media noise start to layer in, creating a real sense of pressure and how out of control everything is getting, and at times the stage is illuminated in an impressive way to really cement the moment. At times subtle, at times ‘in your face’ but at all times incredibly effective. 

Ryan Kopel gave a brilliant performance as Evan. 

He captured the nervous energy and awkwardness of the character perfectly, and carried the emotional weight of the show with real control, you really felt he was feeling every part of this, a vocal and acting performance that must be emotionally draining night after night, making it even more impressive. 

As far as the character goes though I didn’t always feel for Evan – but I don’t think you’re supposed to. He makes some big mistakes and, if anything, gets off fairly lightly in my opinion. 

But that moral grey area is part of what makes it work. It leaves you thinking after the curtain comes down. 

The supporting cast were all solid, with everyone on stage bringing something to the story, and the emotional beats all landed well. 

You could tell there were some superfans in the audience – a few big (loud) reactions after songs – which showed how much people care about this show and I can see why after seeing it for the first time myself. 

This production gets the tone just right. It’s heavy in places, but not overwhelming. There’s heart, humour, and just enough hope to keep it from getting too dark. 

A well-crafted, well-performed night at the theatre. Well worth a visit. 

Alex Copeland

Alex Copeland

Alex Copeland is a singer, songwriter and (not so) secret pop culture geek. Based in the Cotswolds, he is as much at home on stage in front of 1000's as he is being alone stuck into a computer game. When he isn't shouting songs or slaying bad guys he likes to read, watch movies and plan spooky road trips with his amazing Fiancé

Trending

Music: Sunrise in Jupiter Ignite Emotion and Atmosphere on Stirring New Single “Take Me Home”
Music

Music: Sunrise in Jupiter Ignite Emotion and Atmosphere on Stirring New Single “Take Me Home”

1 day ago
Music: Brandes: ‘The Distance Between Dreams’ – A Personal Journey Through Music and History
Music

Music: Brandes: ‘The Distance Between Dreams’ – A Personal Journey Through Music and History

6 days ago
Book Review: John Shuttleworth Takes The Biscuit
Books

Book Review: John Shuttleworth Takes The Biscuit

3 days ago
LAB RAT Unleashes New Single ‘Lost In Soho’ Ahead of Gritty Debut Album ‘In The Walls, We Wait’
Music

LAB RAT Unleashes New Single ‘Lost In Soho’ Ahead of Gritty Debut Album ‘In The Walls, We Wait’

4 weeks ago
Brighton Fringe Review: The Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather
Theatre

Brighton Fringe Review: The Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather

3 days ago
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Comedy
  • Music
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Theatre
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Edinburgh Festivals

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In