It may feel that ‘Groundhog Day’ is actually occurring as Danny Rubin & Tim Minchin’s musical is back at the same venue, seven years on from the original showing. But thank goodness it’s back.

The busy and bustling Old Vic also welcomes the return of the fabulous Andy Karl, reprising his role of Phil Connors, for which he won the Olivier Award back in 2017 on its original run. And it’s still so clear to see why.

Karl plays the swaggering, self-centred weatherman Connors, first made famous by Bill Murray in the 1993 comedy blockbuster, and he seems born to play the part. When he finds himself stranded in a small town in faraway Pennsylvania, he becomes desperate to return home. However, his life is stuck on a loop, unwelcomely repeating the same 24 hours over and over again. 

Hilarity ensues as he meets the same people, travelling the same journey and he gradually realises that he can use this unlucky situation to his benefit, all while falling in love with his troubled producer Rita (Tanisha Spring). There is so much fun to be had in such a story and the creative team make sure every joyous, theatrical element is covered and rinsed for all its worth.

Matthew Warchus directs such a slick, fast-moving production that it’s truly a sheer pleasure to watch. With a strong danger of the nature of repetition in the piece, every scene is thankfully kept so fresh and surprising. Tim Minchin obviously needs no introduction (Matilda the Musical another of my favourites) and his Music & Lyrics are so unique and easy-listening that it’s impossible to switch off for a second. His lyrics especially are so intelligent, witty and funny. The songs may not be catchy but they are perfectly written.

The whole cast shine in such an ensemble piece. Lots of multi-roling and quick changes keep the energy high and the story moving rapidly. Notable credit must go especially to the strong vocals and performances of Chris Jenkins and Nick Hayes as Gus and Ralph, two drunkards very happy with the simple idea of the same day repeating over and over. Tanisha Spring gives a natural and strong showing of love interest Rita but it’s Eve Norris as Nancy who gets the best female solo of the piece. Slightly odd maybe within the show but she more than proves it’s worth keeping.

Of course the star of the show is Andy Karl, who gives such a bewitching, outstanding performance, that the audience almost want to give a standing ovation at the interval. He barely leaves the stage and brings high energy, impeccable comedy & exceptional vocals. The song in which he repeatedly tries to put an end to his life, only to magically reappear back in bed all of a sudden, is a theatrical feat thanks most probably to Paul Kieve’s marvellous illusions and Lizzie Gee’s imaginative choreography. 

Frankly, there’s not enough superlatives to give this brilliant show. It’s an entertaining feast of theatre bringing together humour with some darker, thought-provoking moments. If I could choose my Groundhog Day, it would be the two and a half hours of theatrical joy and perfection this production brings. I could watch it over and over again…

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