Review: The Frogs, Southwark Playhouse

In the original play The Frogs, Aristophanes tells the story of Dionysus, the god of theatre and wine, and his sidekick slave Xanthias. Disappointed by the state of playwriting since the death of the tragedian Euripides, they embark on a journey to the underworld to bring him back. Along the way, they face a series of bizarre challenges, none more memorable than the titular frogs, who chant for everything to “stay the same”.

Stephen Sondheim and Burt Shevelove adapted the play into a musical in 1974, staging its first performance in the swimming pool of Yale University. That production featured a young Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver, with the Yale swimming team in the water as Dionysus and Xanthias rowed across the Olympic-sized pool. In 2004, the show made its Broadway debut in a new adaptation by Nathan Lane, which substituted George Bernard Shaw as the playwright-hero to be rescued from hell. Despite its star power, the revival failed to make a lasting impact.

This latest revival, however, is a triumph of direction and wit. Georgie Rankcom breathes new life into an old, and challenging, text, sharpening the humour with clever modern references. From sly jabs at American high school TV stars to tongue-in-cheek commentary on West End legitimacy and dating app culture in London, the updated script lands with freshness and bite.

Dan Buckley (Dionysus) and Kevin McHale (Xanthias) lead the cast with electric chemistry. Their comedic double act is tightly timed and consistently entertaining, and their vocal performances, backed by a dynamic and polished band, are just as strong. Joaquin Pedro Valdes is a standout as Herakles, channelling the charm and confidence of a Disney prince with ease, both in mannerisms and vocal delivery. Martha Pothen also shines, bringing flair and versatility to her role as George Bernard Shaw and throughout her ensemble appearances.

The choreography by Matt Nicholson is particularly striking, most notably at the end of Act I when the frogs take centre stage in a show stopping number that is visually and rhythmically thrilling. The costuming here is fantastic. Neon goggles, oversized frog mouths, and massive hands, paired with clever lighting and Sondheim’s percussive score, create a moment that is both absurd and captivating.

The core challenge of The Frogs remains its source material. While Act I moves at a brisk and engaging pace, Act II becomes bogged down in lengthy scenes and loses some momentum. The play’s central message that art should serve as a guiding light in dark times struggles to fully emerge.

Still, this production succeeds thanks to Rankcom’s sharp direction, Nicholson’s inventive choreography, and the unshakeable strength of the ensemble; this revival transforms a rarely performed Sondheim piece into a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre.

Directed by: Georgie Rankcom
Musical Supervision by: Ben McQuigg
Musical Director: Yshani Perinpanayagam
Choreography by: Matt Nicholson
Set and costume design by: Libby Todd
Lighting Design by: Samuel Biondolillo
Sound Design by: Joshua Robins
Orchestration by: Tim Sutton

The Frogs plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 28 June.