I was certainly looking forward to seeing this musical showcased by Sedos who use the tagline ‘An ambitious, vibrant and inclusive London theatre society’. Not only is this company ambitious, but it exceeds expectations and is full of talent.
The idea to follow a group of historical figures who attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States is a stark and bold storyline for a musical. With current US President Donald Trump having been shot at on July 13 2024, and the recent events of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, this show is possibly at its most relevant in decades.
The story is based around an original concept by Charlies Gilbert JR., with the book by John Weidman, and music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
The show was last in London Off-West End in 2014 at the Menier Chocolate Factory directed by Jamie Lloyd (known recently for his work on Evita and Sunset Boulevard).
As you enter the theatre, you’re immersed into Americon, you’ll see shimmer curtains, glossy staging, the full red, white and blue. You’ll be invited with placards to wave a flag, cheer and applause. And you’ll willingly applaud the smooth and crisp vocals of the Convention Hosts (Anna Buckmaster and Chris Daniel) as you enter the warped world of this peculiar show.
Throughout the show, you’ll question whether these assassins are justified or deluded as they rationalise their motives. The core cast of assassins are evocative characters and each and every one of these cast members deserves all 50 stars on the American flag for their performances.
I could applaud each of them, but I’ll hold some special mentions for just a few.
Firstly, Jake Dufton for his incredible tone as Leon Czolgosz, his voice is perfect for Sondheim’s musical arrangements. He was vocally perfect and had a gorgeous harmonisation during ‘Gun Song’. If only more Sondheim musicals were on the West End, I can easily imagine him cast on stage singing ‘Pretty Women’.
David Phipps-Davis’s operatic performance of Giuseppe Zangara shone from the back of the stage in the electric chair. Pardon the pun, but it was an electrifying performance.
Jessica Dawes as Sara Jane Moore perfectly encapsulates the American woman, wildly expressive with her gestures.
With fantastic orchestration, stellar sound management, and the modernisation of the show, it was an almost perfect night.
Up the budget and we’d have perfect costume, a bigger stage for the spectacle, and more room for high kicks. But for what it was, it was almost professional amateur theatre.
I would strongly recommend following Sedos as quite possibly London’s finest amateur theatre company. Well done to the creative team behind the show for putting on a brilliant performance.
The show is now sold out for its run from the 23rd-27th of September 2025.
Review: James Dix