Red Bus Londinium Life

New research shows that Gen Z, those between 16 and 24, are ‘the loneliest generation’. Dear Evan Hansen (on tour, currently at New Wimbledon Theatre) humorously and poignantly explains the pitfalls and perils of a world ever more connected online but disconnected in real life. A parable for our times, it portrays the digital amplification of the old adage “What a tangled web we weave when we practise to deceive”.

With songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of Lala Land fame and a book by Steven Levenson, the original Broadway run of Dear Evan Hansen received six, of a possible nine, 2017 Tony Awards. These included best new musical, best score, and best actor for Ben Platt as Evan Hansen.

Unfortunately, the now older Platt – again, playing Evan – in the Dear Evan Hansen movie was unfavourably received. That, plus the impact of covid, saw the show’s closure on both sides of the pond. For many, the current tour is a chance to catch a much talked-about show they missed the first time around. For others, it is a welcome reunion.

Persuasively directed by Adam Penford, this 2024/2025 touring show is a fresh production that has been co-produced by the Nottingham Playhouse and ATG Productions. Wimbledon marks the halfway point of the tour with a dozen venues around the country to go.

Ryan Kopel as Evan very compellingly captures the mixed package of an endearing but painful, vulnerable and awkward teen. His social anxiety and wish to fit in is crippling and leads to a series of choices that confound and multiply an initial small white lie to grieving parents.

Alice Fearn and Helen Anker as the two mothers are a masterclass in the hope and fears that every parent carries with their plaintive cry, “So where’s the map?” resonating with anyone who has played their part in navigating young people through the difficult journey to adulthood.

Tom Dickerson as Evan’s family friend (family friend, not friend – the distinction is important, it’s made clear – when you are an unpopular teen) and Killian Thomas Lefevre as the posthumous Connor make an appealing comedy trio and their rendition of Sincerely, Me is one of the show’s highlights.

The singing throughout is strong and choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille works well. The set and video design (Morgan Large) is very effective, especially in the scenes which portray the viral expansion of Evan’s words online.

This is a show that appeals to teens as they see their experiences reflected on stage. But there is much to chew over for adults too as the impact of their presence or absence in our teen’s lives is both documented and examined. The song No one deserves to be forgotten is true, but it is also true that to be remembered we also have to have been present and known in the first place.

[Thank you to New Wimbledon theatre for the gifted tickets for an honest review].