The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4

There are few novels that capture the spirit of 1980s Britain as emphatically and accurately as Sue Townsend’s famous The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. The exquisitely designed sets feature familiar 80’s regalia including references to C&A and the wedding of Diana and Charles. Directed by Luke Sheppard and music by Pippa Cleary, the production is filled with beautiful musical compositions and cleverly crafted humor.

Over the years, the original 1982 journals were adapted for television, radio, and stage. This version, however, is the first to tell the story of Adrian Mole in the form of a musical. Before the unfortunate passing away of Sue Townsend, she worked with Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary to put together this incredible musical in 2014. A plethora of hilarious jokes woven into a compelling narrative contributed to the massive success of the show in its previous West End runs, and this year’s show is certain to be just as entertaining and nostalgia-inducing as ever!

The Story

The show begins by borrowing the story from the first book with everyone’s favorite teenager Adrian Mole reciting a prayer to ‘help the poor and ignorant, starting with his parents’. Like most 13-year olds, Adrian is thoroughly misunderstood, pronouncedly struck by infatuation, and obsessed with keeping his face free of troublesome pimples. Mole’s family is on the verge of being labeled dysfunctional, but this is simply one amongst the boy’s pressing miseries, which also include his growing debt to the school bully and his burning desire to win the heart of a classmate named Pandora. The hilarious narrative is perfectly packaged and embellished with memorable songs and props. Join Adrian Mole on his journey to escape his chaotic domestic life and impress the new girl in class.

Good for

Fans of Musicals | Family Activities

Critics Reviews

An entertainment-focused spectacle with smart jokes and even better songs.
– WhatsOnStage

Sue Townsend’s 80s hit about the inner struggles of Leicestershire everyteen Adrian Mole is brought to life in brilliant musical numbers, sung by a stellar cast.
– Independent