Review: Cry-Baby at Arcola Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

It’s not every day that I leave a theatre, get home, and immediately head to its website to book another ticket to see the show again. But that's exactly what happened after watching Cry-Baby at the Arcola Theatre. Seventeen years after its 2008 Tony-nominated run on Broadway, this exuberantly campy and high-energy musical has finally made its way across the pond to London for its UK premiere. Adapted from John Waters' 1990 film, with a script by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan (who also wrote the script for Hairspray, another musical based on a cult John Waters film), Cry-Baby is a show that doesn’t take itself seriously and left me with an aching face from spending the evening grinning and laughing. 

Directed by Mehmet Ergen, the story is simple but delightfully ridiculous. Set in 1950s Baltimore, it follows Allison, a squeaky-clean good girl, who falls for bad boy Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, a rebel from the wrong side of the tracks. Yes, the script is over-the-top and ridiculous. But it's exactly that ridiculousness, paired with impeccable comedic timing and a knowing wink to the audience, that makes this show so much fun. It's a bold, unapologetically campy spectacle that is incredibly entertaining. 

The two leads, Adam Davidson as Cry-Baby and Lulu-Mae Pears as Allison, are perfectly cast. They fully embrace the absurdity of the show, delivering hilarious performances with fantastic vocals. Davidson's Cry-Baby is effortlessly charming and showcases his brilliant dance ability. Together, they create a delightful on-stage chemistry that propels the show forward.

Special mention must go to the supporting cast, particularly Chad Saint Louis, whose powerful vocals as Dupree are a standout, and Eleanor Walsh, whose portrayal of Lenora’s unrequited love for Cry-Baby had the entire audience in stitches. Elliot Allinson as Baldwin and JR Ballantyne, Joe Grundy, and Ryan Heenan as the Whiffles also deserve recognition for their hilarious performances, consistently stealing every scene they were in.

The musical numbers in Cry-Baby are a blast, thanks to the witty and upbeat songs by David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger. The choreography by Chris Whittaker is equally fantastic, with the Act Two number “A Little Upset” standing out as a personal highlight for its infectious energy. Set and costume design by Robert Innes Hopkins immerses the audience in the colourful world of 1950s Baltimore and effectively contrasts the neatly polished “Squares” with the rebellious, edgy “Drapes.” It’s a world that feels alive, vibrant, and bursting with personality.

Ultimately, Cry-Baby at the Arcola Theatre is a joyful celebration of over-the-top camp. It’s a show that doesn’t try to be anything more than a fun time at the theatre, and it succeeds massively. Whether you’re a fan of the original film, or just looking for a night of unrelenting laughter, this production is an absolute must-see.

Cry-Baby runs at Arcola Theatre until 12th April 2025.

Photos by Charlie Flint