A new musical adaptation of the 1991 film "Thelma and Louise" has opened at the Young Vic, bringing with it a mixed reception from critics. The production, running until October 24, attempts to translate Callie Khouri’s original road trip screenplay into a stage musical, featuring a score by indie rock artist Neko Case.

Set on a wood-paneled stage meant to evoke generic Midwestern bars, the production opens with a rendition of the iconic film’s final scene—its protagonists posing cheerfully atop the overturned 1966 Ford Thunderbird. However, this choice as an opening gambit was seen by some as undermining the original’s dramatic impact, reducing a poignant moment to a lighthearted visual gag. Notably, the car itself does not reappear during the rest of the performance, and the production employs minimal set changes, relying on strip lighting to suggest travel between locations such as bars, motels, and convenience stores.

Performances by Rachel Tucker as Louise and Amy Lennox as Thelma were widely praised for their energy and commitment, with observers noting their ability to elevate the material. Despite their efforts, the characters around them were often described as underdeveloped and one-dimensional. The pacing of the show was criticized for uneven shifts in tone, moving abruptly from serious moments—such as Thelma’s attempted assault and subsequent murder—to comedic portrayals of local law enforcement that some found tiresome.

Jordan Luke Gage’s portrayal of JD, the drifter character originally made famous by Brad Pitt, received positive mention for bringing a seductive wildness to the role. Meanwhile, Trevor Dion Nicholas’s portrayal of Detective Hal was characterized as broadly saintly, with the character’s involvement used to address racial issues. Some critics felt the production hesitated to explore the darker aspects of the male characters or engage meaningfully with contemporary social themes tied to gender dynamics. At the same time, it was noted that the show did not fully realize the sense of empowerment and defiance that defines the original narrative’s two female leads.

Musically, Neko Case’s score drew mixed reactions. While a few songs resonated as catchy or heartfelt, much of the music was described as repetitive and difficult to follow, with challenging vocal arrangements that sometimes left the cast sounding strained. The unconventional structure of the songs, blending dialogue and music in a style reminiscent of sung-through opera, was met with criticism for occasionally feeling forced or overly abstract. Some lyrics were singled out as puzzling or lacking clarity, impacting the overall cohesion of the show.

In sum, while the musical adaptation of "Thelma and Louise" showcased strong lead performances and ambitious origins, it was widely considered to fall short in terms of storytelling depth, musical consistency, and production design. Observers suggest the show would benefit from a more focused direction and refinement to better capture the spirit of the beloved film.