Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just over two years since it closed in London’s West End, multi-Tony, Grammy and Olivier award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen has embarked on a UK tour, stopping this week at Chester’s Storyhouse.

Dear Evan Hansen follows the story of socially anxious high school student Evan who accidentally gets caught up in a lie which quickly snowballs beyond all control. Following the death of fellow pupil, Connor Murphy, a therapy letter Evan wrote to himself is mistakenly confused as the pupil’s suicide note and Evan soon becomes deeply entrenched in the grieving families lives. The musical has received some criticism over the years with some audiences finding the subject matter and elements within the story problematic however there’s no doubt it’s beautiful score with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land/The Greatest Showman) has confirmed its status as a modern classic.

This new production has clearly examined the previous problematic elements and softened Evan, that combined with Ryan Kopel’s superb physical and emotional interpretation of the schoolboy results in a gentler, more likeable Evan and one who we feel more compassion towards. Kopel’s portrayal really is mesmerising, his Evan is a fidgeting, hand-wringing, blinking bundle of nervous energy while his deep longing for connection is sensitively and gently explored. His characterisation is incredible while he delivers stunning vocals throughout, notably Word’s Fail which is breath-taking as we witness him visually unravel under the pressure of the lie that’s seemingly unstoppable.

The rest of the cast compliment Kopel perfectly. West End favourite Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Heidi, Evan’s Mum is perfection, her rendition of So Big/So Small brought many in the audience to tears while her unconditional love for her troubled teen Evan plays out beautifully, frustratingly and authentically.

Killian Thomas Lefevre is fantastic as troubled teenager Connor Murphy, popping up when we least expect it enriching the story with each surprising appearance. Lauren Conroy plays Connor’s sister Zoe Murphy with strength and sensitivity while Richard Hurst and Helen Anker’s performances as Connor’s parents are deeply moving, portraying parents who have so tragically lost a child with raw and honest emotion. Will Forgrave covering tonight as Evan’s ‘family friend’ Jared Kleinman brings some welcome light relief while Vivian Panka is a driven and determined Alana with vocals to die for.

Morgan Lane’s box set design is lined with mirrors and sliding doors which allows us to see each scene from various fractured angles while allowing the action to easily shift location. The use of video screens is hugely effective cementing that feeling of social media’s all consuming impact while Matt Daw’s lighting design is equally as impressive.

The small ensemble replicate Evan’s frantic, racing mind through Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s modern choreography, although they feel a little underused in the piece when the do feature they impress.

This thought-provoking, intricately crafted piece of theatre will long live in the memory. At times a gut-wrenching watch, it’s important messages about visibility and self-acceptance remain strong while the spotlight it shines on the influence of social media, isolation, anonymity and connection feel ever poignant. This is a quality piece of theatre with a story that will connect with many and by far one of the best scores of recent years. With tickets selling fast you won’t want to miss this musical masterpiece.

Dear Evan Hansen is on at Storyhouse Chester until Saturday 22nd March limited tickets available here.