Midnight Cowboy Musical Premieres at Southwark Playhouse

The new musical adaptation of 'Midnight Cowboy' has premiered at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, featuring a book by Bryony Lavery and a score by Francis 'Eg' White. The production, directed by Nick Winston, follows Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo as they navigate the challenges of survival in New York City. While the performances, particularly by Paul Jacob French and Max Bowden, are commendable, critics note that the emotional connection between the characters feels lacking, particularly in the first act. The score has also been described as unmemorable and failing to enhance the narrative. However, the production design effectively captures the bleak atmosphere of the city. Overall, while the show has its strengths, it struggles to fully engage the audience emotionally, leaving some critics disappointed.