Thirty, flirty, thriving – and now singing!

The world premiere of 13 Going on 30 the Musical lit up Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, 30th September - and what a night it was.

With a star-studded audience and the buzz of opening night excitement, the stage adaptation of the beloved 2004 rom com proved to be an unmissable theatrical event.

For anyone who grew up loving the film (myself included), the idea of transforming it into a musical might have raised a few eyebrows. Could they really capture the magic of the movie and make the songs work? I’m delighted to say they did, and then some.

From the moment the curtain rose, the show was a vibrant, heartfelt homage to the original story, keeping the key moments that fans cherish while breathing new life into the narrative through music and dance.

The stage design was a standout achievement. Each set change was seamless, effortlessly transporting the audience from Jenna’s childhood basement party to the sleek Poise magazine office. The design perfectly captured the essence of the movie, giving die-hard fans a comforting sense of familiarity while still feeling fresh for the theatre. The lighting and sound design were equally impressive, dynamic, vibrant, and polished, with every spotlight and musical cue heightening the drama, comedy, and heart of the story.

Lucie Jones was nothing short of spectacular as Jenna Rink. She captured both the awkward teenage energy of Jenna trapped in a thirty-year-old’s body and the glamorous poise of an adult editor-in-chief. Jones’ performance struck the perfect balance of humour, vulnerability, and charm - a true standout.

The young company deserves special praise, too. The talent on that stage was astonishing; it’s hard to believe some of those kids are barely teenagers themselves. Their energy and charisma brought the school scenes to life, making them some of the most delightful moments of the night.

A standout for me was Anna De Oliveira who played Lulu, young Lucy. Anna really shone on the stage and stood out amongst the other actors, not to mention her voice was amazing when she was singing. Anna and the rest of the Six Chicks really caught my eye every time they came on stage with their energy.

The Six Chicks. Credit: Pamela Raith Photography

The songs were a genuine triumph. I went in sceptical after all, the original movie wasn’t a musical, but the score was full of catchy, heartfelt numbers that advanced the story beautifully. One song in particular, “Wanna Be”, has been stuck in my head for a week now thanks to TikTok clips, and I’m eagerly awaiting the official soundtrack release.

That said, there were a few creative changes that left me scratching my head. Chris Grandy, Jenna’s high school crush, was inexplicably renamed Kyle Grandy, a small detail, perhaps, but unnecessary for fans who know the movie by heart. Similarly, Lucy’s infamous teenage nickname “Tom-Tom” was changed to “Lulu”, which dulled the impact of 30-year-old Jenna’s realisation scene of who her best friend is. These tweaks didn’t ruin the show but felt at odds with the nostalgia that makes the story so special.

I also have to mention the costumes for 30-year-old Jenna. While I understand the choice to reflect her 13-year-old mindset, some of the outfits - including a rainbow unicorn dress - felt too whimsical for a high-powered fashion magazine editor. Long-time fans of the film will remember Jenna’s iconic designer wardrobe, which was somewhat lost in translation on stage.

Despite these minor quibbles, the production was an absolute joy. As someone who adored the original film and always dreamed of being Jenna Rink, my expectations were sky-high, and the show more than delivered.

13 Going on 30 the Musical is a glittering, feel-good celebration of growing up, staying true to yourself, and of course, wishing to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” I would happily go back to see it again, and I’ll be humming “Wanna Be” for the foreseeable future.