Theatre Review: Jersey Boys at The Bristol Hippodrome

The Show: Jersey Boys

Dates: Monday 6th July – Saturday 11th July 2026

Timing : 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)

Rating: ★★★

Twenty years after first opening on Broadway, Jersey Boys is still one of the world’s most successful jukebox musicals. Telling the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the show follows the band’s rise to fame through a soundtrack packed with hits including Sherry , Walk Like a Man and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You . Judging by the audience at the Bristol Hippodrome, it’s a show that still has plenty of fans. I’ll admit that Jersey Boys just wasn’t really for me. I can appreciate why so many people love it, but I found the style of the show difficult to get into. It moves at a quick pace, jumping from scene to scene with very little time to let anything sink in. By the time one moment had landed, the show had already moved on to the next, and I never really found myself connecting with the characters. The set design also did little to help the narrative. While its industrial aesthetic suited the era, it often felt like a backdrop rather than an active part of the storytelling. Characters frequently walked up staircases and across platforms only to immediately return to where they had started, which often felt unnecessary rather than purposeful. Instead of helping the story flow, the staging occasionally made it feel even more fragmented. That said, the cast were clearly incredibly talented. Luke Baker perfectly captured Frankie Valli’s iconic falsetto, and judging by the audience’s reaction, it was exactly what people had come to hear. Personally, though, I found the falsetto became a little grating as the evening went on. It felt like it dominated almost every song and, instead of sounding effortless, came across as a little overplayed, leaving me wincing more often than not. That’s more down to my own taste than Baker’s performance, which was undeniably impressive. The standout performance of the night came from Toby Miles as Bob Gaudio. His vocals were rich, warm and effortlessly enjoyable, offering a welcome contrast to Valli’s distinctive high register. Every time Bob took centre stage, the show seemed to settle into itself, and I couldn’t help wishing he’d been given even more opportunities to showcase his voice. Alongside his vocals, Miles brought a genuine sincerity to the role, making Bob one of the production’s most engaging characters. The harmonies were excellent and the live band sounded fantastic throughout. It’s clear why Jersey Boys has remained so popular for the last 20 years, and the standing ovation at the end showed just how much the audience loved it.

Although it wasn’t a show that completely won me over, I can understand why it’s stood the test of time. Fans of The Four Seasons and high-energy jukebox musicals will no doubt have a great night out. While it didn’t quite hit the right notes for me, there’s no denying the talent of the cast and the quality of the production.

Head to https://www.atgtickets.com/ to book tickets and explore what’s on.

For those wanting an extra special evening out, you can book your early dinner at The Square Club, nested away on leafy Berkeley Square, before heading down Park Street for your evening at the theatre. Guests who are headed to the theatre may also indulge in a complimentary cocktail with their meal as part of The Square Club’s pre-theatre dining offer.

Needing to stay the night? The Berkeley Suites offer the ultimate luxury night away, having recently won the Conde-Naste award of excellence.