Disney’s Frozen (2013) was the highest-grossing animated movie ever made when it came out, and five years later, Frozen the musical opened on Broadway. It closed forever in 2020, due to the pandemic, but Broadway’s loss is London’s gain. With magical special effects (Jeremy Chernick) and probably the best production design for any musical ever (Christopher Oram), Frozen the musical delivers on its promise for a dazzling spectacle.

At 2 hours and 15 minutes (with an interval), the musical is a little bit longer than the film, but just as fast-paced. Extra songs by original songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez work help flesh out the story, including an extended opening sequence with young Anna and young Elsa, which adds an emotional depth to the sisters’ fractured relationship.

And that ubiquitous song, “Let It Go”, is stunning on stage. It is, of course, the Act 1 finale (how could it not be?), and allows Elsa (Laura Emmitt) to show off her extraordinary vocal power. It’s worth mentioning that, in addition to the Elsa on stage, there are likely to be another hundred mini-Elsas, dressed up to the nines, watching in the audience.

There is something transcendent about a live audience gasping at the stage illusions and the twists and turns of the high-stakes story that you don’t get from watching it at home (for the hundredth time). Quite simply, the musical is even better than the film.

Book tickets online for all performances until 18 June 2023.