Groundhog Day at the Old Vic

Groundhog Day is repeating again at the Old Vic. Danny Rubin and Tim Minchin’s successful comedy musical, based on the very successful comedy movie, is back for another round.

Big city weatherman Phil Connors finds himself in small-town USA for one day only. Except that day starts repeating. Despite having lived it countless times, Connors keeps waking up at the same time on the same day, facing the same people and the same events. It’s more or less true to the 1993 movie – but with songs.

The character goes on a journey through various mental and emotional states as he contends with this odd situation: confusion, despair, joy at knowing he can do anything without consequences, apathy, despair again, hope and, ultimately, falling in love.

Andy Karl reprises his role as Connors after playing it in the original London run (and winning an Olivier Award for it) and then again when the musical made its way to Broadway. And it’s easy to see why. The show rests on Karl’s perfect comic timing and some of his brilliantly sarcastic deliveries are absolutely fundamental. There can’t be too many people who can take a Bill Murray role and not disappoint but Karl is absolutely one of them.

Alongside him is a new co-star, Tanisha Spring, who plays television producer Rita Hanson. Spring is every bit as wonderful a cast member and still manages to shine despite the other talent on stage.

Another star of the show is the staging. It’s epic. More epic than one might expect for an adaptation of a 90s comedy movie set in a small town. There are snow storms and car chases and big moving set pieces, and so on. And there’s one particular number that should earn the choreography (Lizzi Gee) every accolade in the game, given the whoops and cheers it garners from the audience. In fact, the whole production is a constantly whoop-and-cheer-inducing spectacle.

Minchin’s trademark wit is present throughout. If you didn’t already know they were his lyrics, you could probably guess. The obvious comparison to make is against Minchin’s other smash musical hit, Matilda the Musical. And while Groundhog Day might not reach quite the same heights (without any obnoxiously talented children to utterly amaze audiences), it has a different kind of charm.

All in all, Groundhog Day is a fantastic show. Big, witty and thoroughly entertaining throughout. Fans of the movie will love it, but then again, so will anyone else.

Jim Compton-Hall
Image: Manuel Harlan

Groundhog Day is at the Old Vic from 20^th May until 19^th August 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.