A night at the gala for The Devil Wears Prada: fashion, power and unapologetic glamour
In an age marked by uncertainty, I find myself joyfully reminded that London continues to hold its crown as the creative capital of the world. From the iconic V&A to the Tate Modern, the ICA, and the Royal Academy, this city has long been a magnet for the world’s finest artists, designers, and performers.
Now, we can add The Devil Wears Prada to that illustrious list. A dazzling reinvention of the beloved 2006 film starring Meryl Streep, London’s latest theatrical sensation offers a fresh, electrifying spin on the story that has captivated audiences’ imaginations for over a decade.
The recent Devil Wears Prada charity gala was a riotous celebration of fashion, power, and the unapologetic glamour of the industry that so often defines our cultural landscape. With an all-star studded team at its helm – including the legendary Elton John, the visionary Broadway and West End director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and the incomparable Vanessa Williams – this musical exudes sophistication in its purest form. The production gleams with such brilliance that it can only described as opulent masterpiece.
Meryl Streep’s portrayal of the cold, commanding Miranda Priestly remains iconic, and while the silver screen portrayal was a masterclass in icy restraint, Vanessa Williams brings a new dimension to the character. With equal parts sass and formidable fashion savvy, Williams delivers a portrayal that is as ruthless as it is regal, capturing the essence of Priestly with a spine of steel and a gaze that could freeze the room in an instant.
The evening was made even more glamorous by an A-list crowd, all gathered to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Elton and David Furnish were, as always, the epitome of style, their regal presence complemented by Donatella Versace, with the trio receiving a thunderous ovation as they settled into the royal box.
Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour flew in from New York, naturally in Prada, joined by a host of other fashion icons, including Emily in Paris star Lily Collins, who dazzled in Vivienne Westwood, and other luminaries such as Elizabeth Hurley, Luke Evans, David Walliams, Lulu, Dame Arlene Phillips, Hollywood Bowl star Sydnie Christmas, the ever-chic philanthropists Richard and Patricia Caring, Island Records President, Louis Bloom and Uber InterTalent Agent Sam Day.
At its heart, The Devil Wears Prada is a high-octane spectacle, a thrilling two-and-a-half-hour extravaganza of singing, dancing, and jaw-dropping fashion. Think power suits, oversized sunglasses, and Hermès handbags aplenty, as the stage comes alive with an energy that can only be described as unforgettable.
The stars of the show delivered nothing short of brilliance. Georgie Buckland, making her West End debut as Andy Sachs, is an undeniable revelation, bringing a refreshing vulnerability to the character. Matt Henry shines as the flamboyant and long-suffering Nigel, while Amy Di Bartolomeo’s scene-stealing Emily, with her sharp wit and razor-thin delivery, had the audience in stitches. It was a night to celebrate great performances, with Buckland’s debut marking the arrival of a true star.
Also, let’s not forget ‘Chanteuse’ Maddy Ambus and ‘Hot Nurse’ Laim Marcellino, who added immensely to the stellar cast.
Audiences were thrilled to see many of the film’s most iconic moments brought to life on stage, including Emily’s classic cheese cube scene and the unforgettable gag about “Donna Taylor.” The crowd’s reaction to this joke was electric, with Donatella Versace herself, seated in the royal box, breaking into laughter and applause.
No great show happens without visionary producers, and Jamie Wilson, Kevin McCollum, and David Furnish have orchestrated a production of monumental significance. From the impeccable choreography to the stunning set design, every element of the show radiates an unmistakable air of refinement.
As the curtain fell to a well-deserved standing ovation, Elton John took the stage to offer his heartfelt praise to his collaborators, sharing a candid moment about his ongoing health struggles. “As some of you may know, I have had some challenges and have now lost my sight,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s hard for me to see the production, but I can hear it, and it sounded magnificent tonight!”
The evening continued in quintessential London style, with a dazzling afterparty at the British Museum, transformed into a kaleidoscopic wonderland of fashion. Mini Coopers, adorned with iconic movie quotes, stood parked in the museum’s grand halls, while pink-and-red lights bathed the Egyptian Galleries in a surreal glow.
Joined by my wife Katrina, we sipped espresso martinis, moved to the beat of classic hits from the Pointer Sisters to Tina Turner, and, ever the optimists, ventured out into the typically rainy London night – our spirits as high as the fashion on display.
The Devil Wears Prada is playing now at the Dominion Theatre; devilwearspradamusical.com
