Step Behind The Stage
The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals
Apollo Theatre, London - 15/05/2026
Review by Alex King
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
If you are online and have an interest in theatre, you most likely already know of Team Starkid, the theatre company that started off life at the University of Michigan and has spawned over a dozen original musicals alongside a dedicated fanbase. Even if you haven't heard of them, the chances are you've seen some of their most viral moments whether that's their first musical, a parody of Harry Potter, or the viral meme of "I don't really wanna do the work today". After being formed in 2009, Starkid has gone from milestone to milestone and strength to strength, and now they have revived their 2018 musical The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals for a limited run in the West End, running at the Apollo Theatre until the end of May.
Set in the quiet town of Hatchetfield, The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals follows Paul, a mild mannered office worker who has no time for musical theatre. When a meteor crashes into the local theatre, Paul and his friends must survive an army of deadly, relentless, singing, alien infected zombies. As they fight for their lives, they encounter a parade of characters from stone faced military generals to mad professors, all while the apotheosis approaches.
With the devoted following Starkid has, the audience was populated by fans adorned in costumes and merchandise, which goes to show just how popular this team has become and created an atmosphere in the theatre that you don't feel all that often. While the clapping and cheering was full of energy, they never disrupted the flow of the show, which goes to show the respect people have for this talented crew.
Two of the co-founders of Starkid, Matt and Nick Lang's book is a rapid fire script that keeps the show at a strong pace, filled to the brim with jokes but also knows when to take a beat and reflect on the horror elements of the story. It never feels like the jokes become tired and most importantly, the emotional moments are very rarely undercut with humour, a trope that could have been all too easy to fall into. It's remarkable that in a musical with very silly characters and moments, these people still feel real enough to draw you in when they fight, despair and mourn throughout the show. Jeff Blim's numbers are incredibly catchy and have been given some updates since their initial outing, furthering the fact that this is not just a recognisable IP that has been brought over, but a passion project that still feels fresh. Every number has its place and is rife with variety from the opening title number through to the more sinister songs in the second act, and each and every one is memorable.
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
Joining the production are the majority of the original cast and the chemistry between them is reflective of their history and time together. As the show's leads, Jon Matteson and Lauren Lopez, who has also taken on the role of directing this revamped production, have incredible chemistry as Paul and Emma. What starts off as awkward but sincere flirting develops into heartfelt caring that pays off so well at the climax of the show. Both get time to showcase their skills beyond comedy, with Lopez in particular delivering a tragic monologue during one of the quieter moments in the show. Due to the nature of the story, despite being the leads they actually have the least amount of singing in the production. Those duties belong to the supporting cast, who all get moments to shine. The aforementioned Jeff Blim also stars in the show and takes on several characters all with their own quirky identities and songs that build out the world of Hatchetfield. Jaime Lyn Beatty and Mariah Rose Faith Casillas both provide not just strong performances but also some incredible vocal talent, providing a strong backbone for the ensemble as well as shining in their own numbers. Beatty gets to flex her skill in Join Us and Die while Casillas delivers a superb rendition of Not Your Seed.
Also returning to the production are Joey Richter and Corey Dorris as Ted and Bill respectively. Both among the longest tenured members of Team Starkid alongside Lauren Lopez and Jaime Lyn Beatty, both are incredibly versatile in their roles. Richter is unhinged as Ted, providing some of the biggest laughs of the night, while Dorris' Bill is a desperate father just trying his best, which provides not just laughs but heartfelt emotion when he discovers his daughter is still in Hatchetfield. Joining the original cast in the role of Professor Hidgens is Iván Fernández González who, despite being the newcomer, fits right in. As Hidgens, González delivers a wonderfully absurd performance that feels right at home alongside the rest of the cast. His physical presence is a highlight throughout, culminating in a literal show stopping number.
Personally, I have been a fan of Starkid for many years and I was concerned I would be watching this through rose-tinted glasses, but I can confidently say that The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals stands on its own merit. What is hugely appreciated is that the production has only elevated from its original debut. A sleek set designed by Colin Lawrence creates a stylish frame that starts off devoid of colour before being infiltrated by it after the meteor hits. Brandon Burch uses lighting really smartly throughout, with both colour and stark strobes used to great effect alongside a very unique use of UV light. Everyone has stepped up their game, including James Tolbert's whimsical choreography and the performers themselves. All of the returning cast have improved both vocally and in their acting, which in my opinion makes this more than just a recognisable name on the West End, but a genuinely well-earned run. Whether you are a fan of Starkid or have never heard of them, take the trip to Hatchetfield and explore the weird, wonderful, hilarious and highly memorable world of The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals.