An exceptional cast with West End credits including Alex Bloomer (The Lion King, West End) who plays Vincent van Gogh, with Richard Dawes (Stiletto, Charing Cross Theatre) as Theo van Gogh. Jordan Frazier (Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, West End) as Agostina and Francesca Leyland (Les Misérables, West End and 25th Anniversary Production at the 02) as Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.

While a completely unique creative production, the audience experience is reminiscent of the grit of Peaky Blinders, the emotion of Les Mis and the enduring optimism of Moulin Rouge.

www.vagabondskies.com

***** FIVE STARS OPENING PREVIEW 31 July 2025

https://therealchrisparkle.com/

Somewhere during the first few minutes of Tony Norman’s outstanding new musical, Vagabond Skies, you realise that you’re watching something very special. The story of the unbreakable friendship between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo is packed with emotion and heartache, with Vincent’s slow descent into mental despair and his brother’s inability to bring him back from the abyss. Colourful characters like Gauguin, the Parisian art critics and the women in Vincent’s life all play a part in telling the story, and it’s performed in front of Dave Fricker’s visually eloquent series of back projections of Vincent’s work.

Norman’s lyrics are simple but powerful and instantly resonate with the audience; and his musical compositions are stunningly beautiful, brought to life by Mark Edwards’ glorious arrangements. Songs like Brother of Mine and the title song Vagabond Skies will stay with you long after the curtain comes down. Fantastic performances from the entire gifted ensemble, but a special mention of Alex Bloomer, who is tremendous as Vincent, conveying all his artistic hopes and talents with the destruction of his mental decline. This show needs a cast recording and fast! 5 stars.