Figaro: A New Musical at London Palladium

Figaro: A New Musical is an exhilarating and haunting experience at the London Palladium. It follows the story of Sienna, a beautiful girl with an astounding voice, who longs for a life outside of her father’s small farm. Lost in the tide of her dreams and what she believes is her mother calling for her to continue to sing, she is separated from her father and meets two hopeful orphans travelling with a circus led by the mysterious Figaro. But the circus hides secrets darker than just Figaro’s hypnotic abilities and manipulative charm, and Sienna will find that to survive, she must not only rise above Figaro but the demons in her head trying to blur the line between reality and illusion.

Sienna’s story is one of multiple layers, touching specifically on the theme of the importance of a mother’s presence. This is reflected heavily not just in Sienna’s absent mother but the two orphans who long for her to be their mother. The musical uses Sienna’s singing voice as a reflection of inherited traits and likens it to mental disorders that run in the family. There’s a constant question as to whether or not what the audience sees on stage is a machination of Sienna’s mind or actual events that happen within the story. The production plays with this idea by using lights and shadows that enhance the sequences and glitter on the costumes to create a visual presentation of magic. This furthers the confusion between reality and illusion, as well as emphasising the more mysterious aspects of the play. It also adds to the circus and performance detail of Figaro: A New Musical, using colour to create a disco-like setting, which complements the modernised soundtrack.

The music in Figaro: A New Musical is beautiful, mysterious and hysterical. Cayleigh Capaldi is an absolute star in her role as Sienna with powerful and stunning vocals, which are particularly brilliant in the second act when she sings Figaro (Epilogue). However, contrary to what the plot of the show might have you believe, the true highlight of the night is Aimee Atkinson in the antagonistic role of Lucia. She’s charismatic and wild, and despite her dark clothing, there’s something very vibrant about her presence. Her short stay on the stage leaves an overwhelming impact on the audience, one that makes them long for more of her and her character. Lucia is especially vital in showcasing the progression of Sienna’s character development. Initially meek and demure, Sienna is a stark contrast to Lucia’s assertive and commanding personality. As the show progresses and the audience sees less and less of Lucia, Sienna slowly gains confidence and becomes more defiant against Figaro and his underhand tactics. The contrast between the two women is a subtle detail in the script that’s fascinating to see unfold on stage.

The rest of the ensemble is completed by Jon Robyns’s excellent performance as the menacing and enigmatic ringmaster Figaro, Daniel Brocklebank as Sienna’s father Antonio, Ava Brennan as the costume designer Gia, and Cian-Eagle Service and Sophia Goodman as the orphan children Gianni and Amelia. It’s a small but brilliant cast, although some characters do feel too much like props in the second act rather than those with stories and personalities of their own. Not everyone’s story ends with a satisfying resolution, so there’s an element of sacrificing coherent writing in the second half of the play for a dramatic ending. Overall, however, Figaro: A New Musical is a wonderful and breathtaking production complete with glitter and lights, and a story and soundtrack full of magic, intrigue and wonder.

Mae Trumata
Photos: Fahad Alinizi

Figaro: A New Musical is at London Palladium from 3^rd until 4^th February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.