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REVIEW - DEAR EVAN HANSEN | THE GRAND THEATRE BLACKPOOL | 23/05/2025

  • Writer: Sarah Monaghan
    Sarah Monaghan
  • May 24
  • 3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

People on a blue floor, text reads "Dear Evan Hansen Collaborates with TikTok." Words like "Connor" and emojis decorate the floor. Mixed outfits.

"All About Theatre" text in bold white with a pink outline on a bright purple gradient background with star shapes.

Dear Evan Hansen UK Tour at Blackpool Grand Theatre: A Stunning Non-Replica Production That Hits Home


After capturing hearts on Broadway and the West End, Dear Evan Hansen is now out on its first ever UK tour—and this is no carbon copy. This non-replica production reimagines the multi-award-winning musical with a fresh new design, bringing its powerful story to new audiences in an inventive and intimate way.

With a book by Steven Levenson and a stirring pop-rock score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the duo behind The Greatest Showman and La La Land), Dear Evan Hansen has become a modern musical phenomenon. Now, its themes of teenage anxiety, family, and connection feel more relevant than ever as the tour reaches the beautiful Blackpool Grand Theatre.


A person in a striped shirt with a cast stands center stage, surrounded by others under blue light, evoking a reflective mood.

At the centre of the story is Evan Hansen, a socially anxious teenager who finds himself at the heart of a lie that spirals into something far bigger than he could ever have imagined. When fellow student Connor Murphy dies by suicide, a letter Evan wrote to himself is mistaken for a final note from Connor to his “best friend” Evan. As the Murphy family reaches out, desperate for answers and connection, Evan is pulled into a world where he finally feels noticed and valued. But as his fictional friendship with Connor grows, so too does the weight of the deception. What begins as a comfort to a grieving family becomes a tangled web of unintended consequences. Dear Evan Hansen is a story about loneliness, mental health, the complexities of truth and the very human need to connect – and it handles all these themes with stunning honesty and care.


A family of five gathers around a kitchen table with wine and apples, set in a cozy, modern kitchen with a blue-lit backdrop.

Visually, this production is sleek and modern, using moving projections and screens to brilliant effect. Social media feeds, text messages, and news headlines swirl across the stage, reflecting the pressure and speed of the digital world we live in. It’s a clever and impactful design that brings the story bang up to date.

The lighting is atmospheric, shifting from soft, intimate moments to bright, urgent bursts during the show’s more intense scenes. Costumes are contemporary and realistic – you really believe you’re looking into the lives of real families and teenagers.

And then there’s the music. From the soaring emotion of “You Will Be Found” to the heart-breaking simplicity of “Words Fail,” every song hits the mark. The soundtrack is full of emotional highs and lows, and I found myself completely caught up in it all.


Two people sit on a bench on stage, surrounded by a backdrop of trees. The setting has a serene atmosphere with green and blue tones.

The cast in this production is absolutely phenomenal. Each performer brings such depth and nuance to their role, creating characters that feel fully lived-in and relatable.

Ryan Kopel takes the title role with tremendous emotional clarity, perfectly balancing humour and heartbreak. His portrayal of Evan’s neurotic energy and fragile hope is both compelling and heart-tugging—each moment, from his awkward stumbles to his raw intensity in “Words Fail,” feels lived-in and honest. Alice Fearn is a standout as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mum. From her warm, protective presence to her soaring vocals in “So Big / So Small,” her performance cuts deep. She brings each lyric to life with maternal love and exhaustion—relatable and deeply moving.

Richard Hurst and Helen Anker give powerhouse performances as Connor’s parents, Larry and Cynthia Murphy. Hurst’s stoic, quietly explosive portrayal carries unspoken grief, while Anker wraps the stage in her anguished, searching energy. Killian Thomas Lefevre portrays Connor with a subdued intensity—equal parts misunderstood teenager and haunting presence, adding unexpected depth even when silent. Lauren Conroy brings Zoe Murphy to life with a refreshing maturity; her emotional clarity shines in her scenes and especially during “Only Us.” Tom Dickerson as Jared nails the teenage comic relief—his cheeky charm and chemistry with Kopel bring energy and much-needed relief. Vivian Panka captures the earnest drive of Alana; her performance embodies the teenage need to be seen and included, while showcasing strong vocals and emotional engagement.

This ensemble works in seamless harmony. They bring a real sense of lived experience to their roles, giving the narrative both emotional weight and sensitive nuance.


Cast stands in a line on stage with a blue, digital backdrop. The text "YOU WILL BE FOUND" is displayed above, creating a hopeful mood.

Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful, emotional and deeply human piece of theatre – and this touring production absolutely does it justice. The show handles delicate topics with care, compassion, and honesty, leaving the audience moved, uplifted, and perhaps even a little changed.

It’s one of those shows that stays with you long after the final bow – a must-see for teens, parents, and anyone who’s ever felt alone.


A stunning production that reminds us all: you are not alone. 💙



Dear Evan Hansen is at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday 24th May 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.





If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.





Photo Credit - Marc Brenner





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