On Tuesday night, I ventured to the Ambassadors Theatre to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: An Unordinary Musical, and what a ride it was – a Celtic-infused, heartfelt exploration of time, identity, and acceptance. The show, co-written and directed by Jethro Compton, is a love story, but also explores themes of rejection, self-acceptance, and found family.
Based on a short-story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the action centres on Benjamin, played with heart and depth by John Dagleish, and “the only woman he will ever love”, Elowen, played beautifully by Clare Foster. Their chemistry is palpable, especially in moments like the Disneyesque love song The Moon and the Sea. It’s a sweet, almost fairy-tale moment that could easily veer into saccharine territory, but the honesty of their performances keeps it grounded and emotionally resonant.
Benjamin’s journey is one of self-discovery, battling rejection from those closest to him for the crime of being different. Born old and aging backwards, he is hidden away in an attic for the first few years of his life – a stark, Quasimodo-like existence. (They even reference Quasimodo in the show.) His parents instill in him a deep sense of shame, teaching him he’s inherently “wrong.” The weight of this rejection follows him into adulthood, shaping his relationships and forcing him to seek solace and acceptance beyond his family. He hides his true nature out of shame, having to learn to accept himself before he can truly be vulnerable with someone else. His struggle to find his place, to feel worthy of love and belonging, is heartbreakingly relatable. As someone who has wrestled with neurodiversity my whole life, I found myself deeply moved by Benjamin’s search for peace in a world that often feels at odds with who he is.
But this isn’t just Benjamin’s story. The ensemble of Benjamin Button are fantastic too. Each performer brings an incredible energy to the stage, juggling several instruments and characters with finesse. Whether it’s the thundering beats of the drum or the delicate strains of a fiddle, they breathe life into every scene. Jack Quarton, as the cheeky and charming (for the most part) Little Jack, provides some of the show’s most delightful comic relief. His Biff-life knack for getting idioms hilariously wrong – “There’s plenty more girls in the sea” is so lovely and brings a playful levity that counterbalances the show’s more emotional beats.
The stage design complements the narrative’s fluidity. Jethro Compton – writer, director and stage designer – has created a gorgeous set, reminiscent of a Cornish dock, which creates a sense of place and history. The staging feels tactile and lived-in, a reflection of the coastal town that is the backdrop for Benjamin’s extraordinary journey. It’s not just a backdrop – it’s a living, breathing extension of the characters’ journeys. The tilted stage serves a practical purpose as well, offering clear sightlines for every seat in the house, ensuring the audience doesn’t miss a single moment of this intricate production. The clever use of props, from the weathered wooden crates to the shimmering fabrics evoking waves, further immerses you in Benjamin’s world.
And the music… oh my goodness! The score, composed by Darren Clark, is beautifully Celtic sounding throughout. The melodies transport you to the Cornish coast, and you will have to resist the urge to simply stand up and dance, at times. The rousing ensemble numbers are particularly effective in capturing the spirit of the community, while more intimate pieces tug at the heartstrings. I challenge you to keep your fingers and feet from tapping along with the joyful rhythms – it’s quite impossible! In fact, the only disappointment I experienced that evening was when, on leaving the theatre, I tried to lookup the soundtrack on Spotify, only to find that there isn’t one yet! Let’s hope this will be rectified soon.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button doesn’t just tug at your emotions; it invites you to reflect on your own journey. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like it’s moving in reverse, love, acceptance, and belonging are timeless, and the first person you need to give them to is yourself. Catch this beautiful show at the Ambassadors Theatre until Saturday 15th February 2025.
Book tickets at: www.benjaminbuttonmusical.com
Words by Nick Barr
Photos by Marc Brenner
