Review: The Last Five Years
@ London Palladium until March 29th 2026
Director: Jason Robert Brown
Writer: Jason Robert Brown
Cast: Rachel Zegler & Ben Platt
Jonathan O’Boyle’s 2021 production of The Last Five Years at the Garrick Theatre will take some besting, and though this concert performance, which celebrates the musical’s 25th anniversary, boasts some fabulous vocals and a wonderful orchestra, it lacks some of the emotional heft required to make this work soar. Given the intricacies of the narrative, which sees the two leads unpick their relationship from their own perspectives, one in chronological order, the other in reverse, and given that their timelines intersect just once, it is essential that we believe and invest in their story.
Though this is an effective and impressive showcase of the songs, the music and the two leads’ vocals, it doesn’t quite capture the full intensity of the drama. Zegler’s performance is rich and perfectly pitched - she’s understated when she needs to be and can belt out a ballad on demand - while Platt is solid, though I must confess that his voice often grates on me for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on. Between them, they imbue the production with ample heart and character, and in Zegler’s hands songs like “A Summer in Ohio” and “I Can Do Better Than That” take on a quite magical quality.
The orchestra, likewise, is excellent, and their brief interactions with the stars give the production a pleasant sense of humour that complements its more emotional and dramatic trajectory. They are strategically placed on the stage, as though part of the set itself, and the musical direction has a real fluidity to it. Alas, there’s something a bit sterile and unimaginative about the rest of the set design, which detracts from some of the production’s more whimsical moments.
This is a solid production that is elevated by Rachel Zegler in particular, who seems to thrive at the Palladium. It doesn’t come close to the 2021 production and I just can’t get on board with Platt’s vocals, though I acknowledge I’m in the minority on that. Still, as a celebration of a fantastic musical, this is worth a look if by some miracle you’re still able to nab a ticket. It also reminds us that Zegler is a real star of the stage and deserves to be given many more leading roles for years to come.
Score: ⭐⭐⭐