This musical adaptation of Thelma & Louise at London’s Young Vic is criticised as a bland and confused reinterpretation of the landmark 1991 feminist road film. Despite involvement from original screenwriter Callie Khouri and strong performances by Rachel Tucker and Amy Lennox, the production lacks the film’s emotional depth, visual grandeur and sense of liberation.

The staging omits the central road and iconic Thunderbird, replacing them with a saloon bar, neon lighting and implied movement. Neko Case’s country score contains few memorable songs, while the choreography and shifting time period feel dated and uncertain; although the second half gains momentum, the characters remain thin and the ending relies heavily on memories of the film. The production runs at the Young Vic until 24 October.