{"id":467415,"date":"2025-10-02T03:19:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T03:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/467415\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T03:19:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T03:19:35","slug":"13-going-on-30-at-opera-house-is-full-of-heart-joy-and-nostalgia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/467415\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Going on 30 at Opera House is ‘full of heart, joy and nostalgia’"},"content":{"rendered":"

– Advertisement –\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

13 Going on 30 follows a sweet 13-year-old girl called Jenna Rink, who wishes to fast-forward through the awkwardness of adolescence and wake up as a confident, successful adult. <\/p>\n

To her surprise, that\u2019s exactly what happens as she opens her eyes to find herself in her 30-year-old body, living in New York City with the glamorous career she always dreamt of. <\/p>\n

What begins as a fantasy of instant adulthood quickly unravels into a heartfelt exploration of what we lose and what we rediscover on the way to growing up. <\/p>\n

13 Going on 30 at Opera House<\/p>\n

\"\"13 Going on 30<\/p>\n

The production is very similar to the film, paying homage to the coming-of-age classic.<\/p>\n

At the heart of the production is Lucie Jones<\/a> as Jenna Rink, and she is nothing short of delightful. Jones captures Jenna\u2019s quirky, wide-eyed innocence, channelling the excitement and vulnerability of a 13-year-old trapped in an adult body.<\/p>\n

Her comedic timing shines through in every gesture and facial expression, whether she\u2019s nervous or bursting with enthusiasm; her performance constantly reminds you that she\u2019s mentally a teenager. <\/p>\n

Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink<\/p>\n

Each number is delivered with clarity and power, effortlessly soaring through high notes while retaining the warmth and playfulness of the character. \u00a0<\/p>\n

David Hunter brings a thoughtful depth to Matt Flamhaff, Jenna\u2019s childhood best friend. His portrayal is tender and quietly moving, with his version of Matt being vulnerable at times, but with a steadfast charm that makes him instantly likeable. <\/p>\n

When paired with Jones, the chemistry is undeniable, and their duets are a highlight of the show, with beautifully blended vocals that give emotional weight to the story\u2019s central relationship.<\/p>\n

Amelia Minto sparkles as young Jenna<\/p>\n

The younger cast members are equally impressive. Amelia Minto, as young Jenna, sparkles on stage. <\/p>\n

She radiates energy, her bright, expressive performance matched by vocals that are both pure and powerful. She perfectly sets the tone for the older Jenna we later see in Jones. Alongside her, Max Bispham as young Matt delivers a touching and heartfelt turn. <\/p>\n

During Minto and Bispham\u2019s duet of \u201cI Know You\u201d is a heartwarming moment, tugging at the audience\u2019s heartstrings with its sincerity and emotional depth.<\/p>\n

Grace Mouat brings sass and sharpness to Lucy, Jenna\u2019s so-called friend and rival, leaning into the sly, manipulative qualities that fans will remember from the film. Her presence adds an edge to the story, and her performance hits just the right balance of charm and scheming.<\/p>\n

On the other end of the spectrum, Caleb Roberts as Richard delivers a comic character. His quick wit, impeccable timing, and steady stream of one-liners land with the audience every single time, drawing consistent laughter.<\/p>\n

All eyes are on Dominic Andersen during his solo scene as Alex, Jenna\u2019s boyfriend. His vocal number, \u201cHot\u201d, performed with tongue firmly in cheek, is outrageous and hilariously over the top. His \u201cMagic Mike\u201d style strip to his boxers had the crowd in stitches and, judging by the reaction, left more than a few audience members feeling blush.<\/p>\n

Colin Richmond\u2019s fabulous set design<\/p>\n

Colin Richmond\u2019s set design is both imaginative and meticulous, offering a vivid contrast between Jenna\u2019s two lives. When we first see her at 13, the stage bursts with retro flair: blocky shapes, bold colours, and a suburban backdrop that instantly transports the audience to the mid-80s.<\/p>\n

\u00a0As Jenna leaps forward into her thirties, Richmond\u2019s design shifts dramatically. Her adult life is framed by a sleek, modern aesthetic of busy New York, and the polished atmosphere of Poise magazine\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

One of Richmond\u2019s particularly striking elements is the back wall of the set, composed of differently sized squares that double as screens. These panels constantly evolve, changing images in rhythm with the story and pulling the audience further into Jenna\u2019s world, whether it\u2019s the cosiness of a suburban bedroom or the dazzling lights of the city.<\/p>\n

How the lighting design adds to the \u2018fairytale quality\u2019 of 13 Going on 30<\/p>\n

Howard Hudson\u2019s lighting design elevates this even further. His use of light to mark Jenna\u2019s transformation is nothing short of magical; the future sequence unfolds with a seamless drop in brightness, before the stage erupts in flickers and sparks of shifting colour. It\u2019s a moment that captures both wonder and momentum, embodying the fairytale quality of the story while keeping it grounded in theatrical spectacle.<\/p>\n

Overall, the production is a triumph, ending with a huge standing ovation. It retains the heart and nostalgia of the 2004 film while expanding it into a lively, colourful stage spectacle. The story is familiar yet fresh, brimming with energy, humour, and heartfelt moments. The audience ranges from teenagers to older adults, a testament to the appeal across generations. <\/p>\n

Judging by the laughter, cheers, and standing ovation, this is a show that truly resonates. Whether you grew up loving the original movie or are discovering Jenna Rink\u2019s story for the first time, 13 Going on 30: The Musical promises an evening of nostalgia, fun, and pure joy.<\/p>\n

Tickets for 13 Going on 30 at Opera House<\/p>\n

The production runs at the Opera House<\/a>\u00a0until 12th October, and it\u2019s one not to be missed. <\/p>\n

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