Review: Adrian Mole the Musical


Life is tough when you’re a lad of 13 and three quarters. Trying to deal with your own emotions and changing body is hard enough, but when you add in a dysfunctional family and a school bully like couldn’t get much harder for Adrian Mole. Then, just when things couldn’t seem to get any worse, new girl Pandora joins Adrian’s class at school, he is, of course instantly smitten with her and sets about how to win her heart, only for his best friend Nigel to swoop in and win her heart first.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole – The Musical is based on the much-loved books by Sue Townsend is brought to life by the talented Gallery Players at their new theatre space The Gallery Studio, formally the New Wolsey Studio in St George Street, Ipswich. 

The cast for this production consists of several younger cast members performing alongside the adult members of the cast, and, it was ‘team 1’ that we had the pleasure of seeing on stage the evening we viewed the show.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole – The Musical is a high octane show that is full of energy from the outset.  Aiden Palmer-Garrick as Adrian is just brilliant and tackled this huge lead role with a massive amount of dialogue incredibly well and was a joy to watch.

In fact, the whole show is wonderfully cast, with not a bad performance amongst these talented actors. Some amazing vocals, brilliant comic timing and fantastic choreography this production is worthy of the big stage and we just loved it.

Although a special mention must go to the incredible voice of Ryan Cope who played Adrian’s father George. Such an amazing vocal range I could listen to him sing all evening.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole – The Musical is hilariously funny and an absolute joy to watch. We laughed, we cried, we loved every moment! 

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole – The Musical is at The Gallery Studio until 23rd July.  To book tickets visit gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk

Review: Wendy Cook – Ipswich24 Magazine