“Theatre is a wonderful way to escape for a couple of hours”: Kerry Ellis, Bill Buckhurst and Preeya Kalidas on If/Then at Savoy Theatre

On a crisp January evening, the Savoy Theatre hosted a special event celebrating the upcoming UK premiere of If/Then ahead of its one-off staged concert debut on Monday 10^th February 2025. This exclusive press preview offered audiences a glimpse into the celebrated musical by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning duo Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal). The evening featured select numbers, alongside a lively Q&A with the creative team and cast, providing insight into the show’s themes, music and storytelling.

At the heart of the event was Broadway and West End star Kerry Ellis, known for her iconic roles in Wicked and We Will Rock You. Ellis takes on the role of Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner navigating life after divorce. “This show has been in my life for quite a while now,” Ellis shared. “Theatre is a wonderful way to escape for a couple of hours. You want to be transported and relate to someone, and this show does exactly that. It’s about normal people doing everyday things – love, hope, friendship – and how we deal with that.”

Directed by Bill Buckhurst (Sister Act, The Time Traveller’s Wife), the musical explores Elizabeth’s journey through two parallel lives that diverge from a single pivotal moment. These narratives delve into love, friendship and destiny, capturing the complexities of human connection. Buckhurst, working with Ellis for the second time, described the production as “two hours of escapism” and praised the music’s transformative qualities: “Listening to this incredible score is just sublime. It’s truly a beautiful piece of work.”

Buckhurst also emphasised the importance of crafting a rich experience for audiences, even in a concert setting: “We’ve worked with an incredible design team to help guide audiences through the narrative and immerse them in the world of the show.”

The evening featured standout performances from cast members, including David Hunter as Lucas, Elizabeth’s old friend, and Preeya Kalidas as Kate, her spirited neighbour. Hunter’s rendition of You Don’t Need to Love Me captured the tender, bittersweet emotions of unrequited love and loyalty. Speaking on the adoption of his character, Hunter shared with humour, “I’ve reached a point in life where I’m reflecting a bit more as an individual. This show really underscores my personal meltdown and crisis, and I can’t wait.”

Kalidas, who performed It’s a Sign, highlighted the importance of representing diverse experiences on stage. “What I love is that we have strong female characters who aren’t 20-somethings. They’ve lived, and I think it’s really important to represent those kinds of people on stage,” she said.

Adding to the excitement, it was announced that Adam Garcia would join the cast as Josh, a pivotal love interest in Elizabeth’s journey.

The music, under the direction of Michael England (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), gave audiences a taste of the contemporary American score that defines If/Then. With its emotional depth and memorable melodies, the music is poised to leave a lasting impact when the full production launches.

Although having seen only just a glimpse, the musical’s core message was clear: every choice shapes our future, and even small decisions can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

The UK premiere of If/Then promises to be a great theatrical experience, blending heart, humour and hope into a story that will resonate deeply with audiences.

Olivia Gardener
Photos: Courtesy of Savoy Theatre

If/Then is at Savoy Theatre from 10^th February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.