Episode 937: From Smiles to Sandworms - Why Annie Works (and Beetlejuice Doesn't)

Nick and Hannah head to the theatre for two of the biggest musical revivals currently touring the UK—but come away with very different reactions.

It's sunshine, optimism and red-headed charm as they celebrate the UK tour of Annie, asking why this classic musical continues to captivate audiences nearly fifty years after its Broadway debut.

Then, things take a decidedly darker turn as they tackle the West End production of Beetlejuice. With a hit Broadway incarnation and a devoted fanbase setting sky-high expectations, why does this London production leave them feeling so underwhelmed? Is it the direction? The performances? The staging? Or does the transfer simply lose the anarchic magic that made the original such a phenomenon? Nick and Hannah discuss why a musical with so much potential can end up feeling surprisingly lifeless.