REVIEW - Lizzie the Musical is a wild, blood-soaked ride with a killer score and unforgettable performances!

On Sunday, we were invited to Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester to see LIZZIE the Musical. Fittingly our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston returned to see the show. Read what she thought of this brill production...

LIZZIE, the true crime rock musical, has returned for a limited run at Hope Mill Theatre. I was lucky enough to be invited back after reviewing it last year during the show’s Hope Mill debut. I remember absolutely buzzing and raving about this show after first seeing it, it took me by surprise and I remember thinking that it would be a huge hit - so no surprise it’s returned! Having previously watched the show, I was curious to see if I’d still feel the same way and (spoiler alert) I did.

The musical brings to life the infamous nursery rhyme of “Lizzie Borden took an axe”, exploring the story behind her intent and whether she even did the crime. LIZZIE explores the life of Lizzie Borden and the tales that led to her being accused of murdering her father and stepmother in the summer of 1892, delving into the possible motivations of sexual abuse, loss of inheritance, oppression and madness. 

The setting and costumes of the show reflect the time of the late 1800s, with wooden panels surrounding the stage, imitating the barn when Lizzie enjoyed her downtime, and long dresses with frilly necklines, straight from this period. The sliding door at the centre of the stage acted as a window to the house, with her father’s chair appearing through here, a table for tea and the place where the murders happened. 

LIZZIE is as electrifying as ever, with a stellar cast taking on the four roles and bringing next level girl power. Kayleigh McKnight (Six, Mandela, Lift) takes on the title role of Lizzie Borden, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the stage and taking the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that Lizzie went through. Opposite her, Emilie Louise Israel (House of Cleopatra, Once On This Island, Treason) plays Lizzie’s older sister, Emma. Israel brings a strong, authoritative presence that perfectly captures the dynamic of a protective older sibling, making for a fierce sister duo that you wouldn’t want to mess with.

Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie & Clyde, Tarantino Live, Bat Out Of Hell) takes on the role of Alice, Lizzie’s love interest and brings an element of softness to the, otherwise angsty, show. Though despite her gentle nature, Alice has a determined edge, and the chemistry between her and Lizzie is magnetic. Jennifer Caldwell (Six, American Idiot, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World) as Bridget delivers brilliantly witty moments and offers a sense of comic relief throughout. Together, the four-part cast offers top notch performances, unbelievable vocals with stunning harmonies and an all round good time. 

The music in this show is fantastic, offering pop and rock and toe-tapping tunes - you’ll be singing them on your way home! It’s a great mix of grit and angst using rock music as the backbone of the production and it merges with the storyline quick nicely - offering more gentle moments of emotions and then louder, drum-riff and electric guitar filled songs for those intense scenes. It truly has the vibe of a rock concert!

I saw someone on TikTok refer to this show as if “SIX and Heathers had a baby” and I genuinely think this is a perfect way to sum it up. It gives the same feel as SIX, as in it’s full of girl power and leaves you feeling uplifted with a brilliant score. Full of pounding music and high-energy, this musical really takes over the intimate space of Hope Mill in an epic way. LIZZIE has a larger-than-life feel that would hold up on a bigger stage, but the close quarters create a special connection between the audience and the characters, making every moment feel personal.

LIZZIE is a wild, blood-soaked ride through a legendary tale of murder, mystery, and fierce femininity. With its killer score and unforgettable performances, it’s no wonder the show is back for another run. If you’re looking for a night of powerful vocals and gripping storytelling, this is the one. You’ll leave feeling pumped up—and maybe a little wary of axes.|

WE SCORE LIZZIE THE MUSICAL...



Lizzie The Musical is on at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester until Sunday 17th November 2024

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE!