Thoroughly Modern Millie at the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Review
Thoroughly Modern Millie
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
14-18 February 2017
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
Musical comedy ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ has arrived at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Based on the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews, the lead role is performed by Joanne Clifton who you may be more used to seeing as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.
The story revolves around Millie Dillmount, a young girl who has left Kansas to find herself a wealthy husband in 1920s New York City. The opening dance sequence contains enough high energy to match the naïve girl’s excitement. Sadly, things do not fall into place easily for Millie, however she does manage to get a room at a hotel ran by Mrs Meers (played by soap legend Michelle Collins).
Despite Millie’s plans of marrying her boss not coming easily to her, she does make some new friends including the charming Jimmy Smith. While out with her friends, Jimmy introduces Millie to performer Muzzy Van Hossmere. Muzzy helps the young girl to realise that marrying for love should be more important than marrying for money. There is no time for romance though as Millie needs to come to the rescue of her friends first.
The New Alexandra Theatre is easily accessible by car or train and has plenty of parking nearby. We were welcomed into the bar before the show, which is a beautiful room to relax with a drink and chat to friends. It was possible to pre-order drinks for the interval using a phone app and there was a range of merchandise available in the main foyer.
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ is a wonderful blend of quality singing, mesmerising dancing and slapstick comedy. My favourite scenes involved the inebriated Mr Graydon (Millie’s boss played by Graham McDuff) who had all of the audience in stitches with his drunken antics. I was also pleasantly surprised by the vocals of Joanne Clifton whose singing skills equally matched her dancing.
For an enjoyable evening with friends and family this show will certainly put a smile on your face!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17.50 to £55 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Thoroughly Modern Millie is at the New Aalexandra Theatre in Birmingham until 18 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3011.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
