Dear Evan Hansen
Noël Coward Theatre, London
Director: Michael Greif
Starring: Sam Tutty, Lucy Anderson, Doug Colling, Rebecca McKinnis, Lauren Ward, Rupert Young, Jack Loxton and Nicole Raquel Dennis
By Lauren Codling
BIG THINGS were expected from the multiple Tony award winning show Dear Evan Hansen as it premiered in London’s west end this month.
Centralising on an anxiety-ridden teenager whose life is turned upside down after he becomes caught up in a lie, the musical has been applauded for its emotive score and the handling of its delicate subject matter.
As the Broadway smash transfers across the pond, its safe to say that London audiences will not be disappointed.
It is a beautiful and honest portrayal of a lonely, socially awkward boy who deceives his way into a grieving family dynamic. The production is one of the few musicals which speaks to the modern audience – it is refreshing to witness key themes related to social media, suicide and teen angst take centre stage in one of London’s most prestigious theatres.
Starring in his west end debut, actor Sam Tutty is startling as Evan. Visibly nervous and uncomfortable in his skin throughout, Tutty plays the part of the isolated adolescent to perfection. Triggering empathy toward a character whose ill-advised decisions have the potential to cause turmoil is a difficult feat, but Tutty and the writing team pull it off with ease.
The rest of the cast are strong, but Rebecca McKinnis’s portrayal of Evan’s mother is an additional stand-out performance. Despite her attempts to support her son battle his mental-health problems, it is heart-breaking to see the distance between them widen as she becomes oblivious to the truth behind his new-found confidence.
Social media is a character in itself, splattered across the set for the majority of the running time. It is a constant reminder of the influence that it can have on everyday life – sometimes overwhelming, all-consuming and familiar to many.
Although some songs aren’t as memorable as others, it has its standouts. You Will Be Found provides a soaring end to the first act while Words Fail is sure to trigger some tears from audience members as we witness Evan’s world crumble around him.
The finale provides a satisfying conclusion, although the consequences of Evan’s actions are not laid out explicitly. It is typical that a musical ends on a high note – but it seems unrealistic that Evan would have felt such minimal backlash from his extravagant lie.
It is a powerful, thought-provoking production which is sure to speak to audiences – both young and old. For anyone who ever felt they didn't fit in growing up, Dear Evan Hansen is the musical for you.
We give Dear Evan Hansen four and a half out of five stars.
Dear Evan Hansen is now booking to 2 May 2020
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.