The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen arrives at Sheffield Theatres with emotional depth, fresh vitality, and a heart that feels as expansive as ever.
In a time when social media’s influence is ever-growing-both positively and negatively, this production takes a bold step in addressing the greater good.
Directed by Adam Penford, this new staging infuses the Tony Award-winning musical with contemporary relevance, capturing the struggles of a generation wrestling with identity, connection, and the powerful echo chamber of the digital age.
At the heart of the production currently on at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre is Ryan Kopel’s extraordinary portrayal of Evan Hansen.
Kopel brings aching vulnerability to the role, skilfully portraying the anxious tics, awkward sincerity, and internal contradictions of a teenager desperately trying to be seen.
His rendition of ‘Waving Through a Window‘ is not just vocally stunning but deeply emotional, setting the tone for an evening filled with poignant, introspective storytelling.
Lauren Conroy, as Zoe Murphy, delivers a multifaceted performance: tough and witty, yet carrying the weight of unresolved grief. Her chemistry with Kopel is understated but powerful, grounding their relationship in authenticity rather than romanticised idealism.
Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Heidi Hansen is an emotional masterclass in honesty and nuance, vividly expressing the struggles of a single parent trying to reach her son whilst navigating the pressures of everyday life.
Visually, the staging taps into the digital landscape that defines the narrative; screens flicker with scrolling feeds, text messages, and viral videos – both a brilliant design choice and a stark reminder of how online connections can simultaneously unite and isolate.
The minimalist set is cleverly utilised, transitioning seamlessly between homes, schools, and the virtual world.
What makes this tour particularly remarkable is not just the strength of its cast or the polish of its production but its ability to make the story feel profoundly relevant.
Even nearly a decade after its Broadway debut, Dear Evan Hansen continues to raise uncomfortable questions about truth, belonging, and the narratives we create to survive.
The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen is a moving, tightly executed production that earns every standing ovation. With its focus on mental health, it offers a thought-provoking reflection of an entire generation.
This captivating and innovative staging shines a light on the message that you are never truly alone. Always remember that.
While some of its themes remain open to debate, it is undeniable that the show leaves a lasting impact-and this tour ensures that impact is felt deeply, city after city.
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Featured Images — Marc Brenner (press shots supplied)
