Review: Jersey Boys | Venue Cymru, Llandudno

★★★★★ - Jersey Boys is a musical that ensures the timelessness of doo-wop never loses its magic, despite each tune being a well-known hit. Returning to Venue Cymru, this production is far more than a celebration of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ greatest hits; it is a simple but brilliantly told story of friendship, ambition and the price of success, underpinned by exceptional vocals throughout.

I arrived eager to hear classics such as Sherry, Walk Like a Man and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, but what makes Jersey Boys endure is its storytelling, certainly upon Venue Cymru’s stage. The production balanced humour with heartbreak, effortlessly charting the boys’ journey from the streets of New Jersey to international stardom. This meant the songs were deeper than crowd pleasers and instead helped to carry the weight of the scenes being set. 

At the centre of the production are four exceptional performances. Luke Baker is sensational as Frankie Valli, delivering the iconic falsetto with an incredible likeness. With a voice so uncannily reminiscent of Valli’s own, Baker seems born to play the legendary singer. It’s difficult to imagine anyone better suited to the role. Beside him, Carlo Boumouglbay dominates the stage as Tommy DeVito, narrating much of the story with effortless charisma and a natural ease that keeps the audience invested from beginning to end. Lewis Kennedy gives Nick Massi a grounded, sincere sense of leadership from the background, while Toby Miles’ Bob Gaudio is a complete heartthrob in his own right. Together, the four share a chemistry and harmony that feels as effortless as it sounds, with each absence keenly felt whenever one voice falls away. To back these mighty voices are a fabulous band, keeping the energy consistently high.

The production itself is equally polished. The set moves seamlessly through the different chapters of the band’s career, and the lighting design deserves particular praise. As each familiar hit fills the auditorium, the stage transforms into a live concert, immersing the audience in the excitement of a Four Seasons performance. Aside from a few brief microphone cues being missed, the production runs with remarkable slickness throughout.

What lingers most is the overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Whether lifelong fans or newcomers discovering the music for the first time, the audience is swept along by song after song, each one greeted with smiles, applause and knowing glances across the theatre. By the joyous finale, resisting the urge to sing along feels almost impossible.

With outstanding performances, slick production values and timeless music performed to an exceptional standard, Jersey Boys remains every bit as exhilarating as its reputation suggests. Nostalgic, uplifting and impeccably performed, this is musical theatre at its finest.

*Gifted tickets.