You don’t expect to walk into a fringe musical and be greeted by a full-on dance routine featuring ancient gods, frogs in sequins, and a plot that involves dragging George Bernard Shaw out of the underworld to debate Shakespeare. But The Frogs does exactly that, and it does it with boldness, humour, and a cheeky wink.
As a member of a Platonic philosophy group, I’m always excited when ancient Greek writing finds its way onto a modern stage. Seeing a show that blends Aristophanes’ satire with Sondheim’s musical brilliance felt like being in on a particularly niche joke—and this production made it feel fresh, silly, and strangely timely.
From the creative minds behind "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and featuring Nathan Lane's brilliant adaptation, "The Frogs" is packed with the clever wit and musical genius that Sondheim is renowned for. The Grey Area, who previously charmed audiences with their hit production of "Anyone Can Whistle," continues their tradition of unearthing and celebrating lesser-known Sondheim treasures.
The energy is high from the first number, with choreography that fills every corner of the intimate Southwark Playhouse space. There’s so much unexpected dancing packed into this production that it almost feels like a fever dream in the best way. You’re never quite sure what’s coming next—frogs with jazz hands, a sing-off in Hades, maybe even a Shakespeare vs Shaw intellectual smackdown—but the unpredictability is part of the fun.
Kevin McHale is completely charming as Xanthias, diving headfirst into the madness and keeping the audience on side with sharp timing and brilliant expressions. He makes the fourth-wall breaks and knowingly silly moments land every time. Dan Buckley’s Dionysos is a comic powerhouse, handling Sondheim’s tricky rhythms with ease and serving up just enough godly cluelessness to make him lovable. Together, their dynamic gives the show its heart and a lot of its humour.
The ensemble is a joy to watch. Everyone gets their moment to shine, whether it's Joaquin Pedro Valdes belting out the larger-than-life “Dress Big” or Carl Patrick practically stealing the show with a single word screamed in increasingly ridiculous ways. The whole cast feels locked into the show’s rhythm, embracing its chaos with total commitment.
Yes, the second act could bit a little snappier. The lengthy philosophical debate between Shaw and Shakespeare, while fun in concept, slows the pacing just when it should be building to a final burst of energy. But the direction keeps things visually engaging, and the tone never forgets that this is a comedy first. Even when it loses momentum, it keeps its sense of fun.
There’s something wonderfully chaotic about staging a rarely performed, politically weird Sondheim musical based on a 2,400-year-old Greek play. But The Grey Area has a knack for reviving Sondheim’s lesser-known work, and this production proves that even his most obscure shows can shine when handled with imagination and joy.
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If you’re into musicals that take big risks, love ancient Greek theatre, or just want to see a man argue with Shakespeare in hell, The Frogs is a wild little gem worth catching.
"The Frogs" is more than just a musical comedy, it's a vibrant, laugh-out-loud exploration of our current world, filtered through an ancient tale. It’s a perfect example of how Southwark Playhouse’s dedication to innovative storytelling can bring vital, engaging theatre to its community. And the ship-to-Hades captain is so hilarious he got a knowing look from the audience every time he made an entrance.
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With original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman and original orchestration by Jonathan Tunick, this production promises to be a vibrant and engaging experience. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International, "The Frogs" is a testament to the enduring power of ancient tales retold with contemporary relevance and a healthy dose of musical brilliance.
It's an unforgettable journey that's perfect for anyone looking for a hearty laugh, a thought-provoking story, and some truly clever musical numbers. Don't miss this "toad-ally unforgettable journey" at the Southwark Playhouse!
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