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Midnight at the Never Get review: Spellbinding new musical is Ben Platt's finest hour

Mark Sonnenblick and Ben Platt have created pure magic on stage.

Published: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 11:19 am

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Over a decade has passed since Ben Platt originated the role of Evan Hansen and launched himself, and the show, to theatrical stardom. A musical of such juvenility combined with a plucky – if not, on reflection, problematic – central character proved to be the perfect recipe for the upstart Pitch Perfect star.

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Now though, he launches a new original musical that bleeds a quiet maturity; a grace completely befitting an actor of his experience. As you sit in the gentle lamplit glow at the Menier Chocolate Factory, it very much feels as if this new part is Platt reaping the rewards of a hugely high-octane career, this is him playing the role he was meant for, and it's thoughtful, vivid and just plain beautiful.

Midnight at the Never Get is a new story written by Sam Bolen, Max Friedman and Mark Sonnenblick set in 1960s New York. In an intimate nightclub, basement singer Trevor Copeland puts on the cabaret act he and songwriter Arthur Brightman performed hundreds of times throughout their professional and personal relationship.

Talking through the story of their – at the time, illegal – love, he uncovers the tensions, politics and differences that drove them apart.

Ben Platt in Midnight at the Never Get

Ben Platt in Midnight at the Never Get*. Johan Persson* Johan Persson

The music carries the flavour of the Great American Songbook with witty lyrics, urbane delivery and complex jazz harmonies blending together to bring us a song sheet perfectly reminiscent of Cole Porter. The songs feel stolen out of time and are definitely repeat listens for classic musical fans – My Boy in Blue and The Bells Keep Ringing are particularly guilty of this.

This, and the stellar swing band behind it makes the production feel as if it could have been made 60 years ago, which is entirely the point. For the queer community, it's the tender old-school tale of love they deserved when Kiss Me Kate and High Society were hitting the stage, but it's only now a story like this can be brought to the fore. However if you're thinking its just a schmaltzy romance, it's worth saying there is so much more to this story, I just can't tell you what it is.

Ben Platt in Midnight at the Never Get

Ben Platt in Midnight at the Never Get. Johan Persson

Onto Ben Platt. I think it's fair to say that thanks to him, a kind of magic hangs over this show. His performance is equal parts charming, endearing, aching and raw. He deftly dangles the story in front of the audience and leads them down the path to its climax, only for us to realise he had no control over it all along. His voice is enchanting and perfectly adept at handling the vibrato style typical of 60s singers and the spellbinding nature of the part comes from the fact that it feels utterly real.

Gregor Milne also gives a beautifully tragic performance that I can't spoil too much about. What you should know is his start as an unassuming figure in the background quickly builds until he's a complex, fully realised figure who breaks your heart again and again.

I truly, wholeheartedly believe that I have seen something that can and should fundamentally shape the next stage of West End theatre. Something that subtle, that artfully layered and that affecting cannot be wasted.

The message of letting your love and light not get dampened by the world around you never feels preachy or forced and yet it still demands, beautifully and authentically, to be heard – so hear it.

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How can I get tickets to see Ben Platt in Midnight at the Never Get?

Tickets are on sale at the Menier Chocolate Factory website. The show is running until 12 September 2026.

Where is the Menier Chocolate Factory?

The Menier Chocolate Factory is a 180-seat Off-West End theatre you can find in Southwark.

The venue sits just a short walk from London Bridge and Borough Market.

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For more recommendations check out the Going Out section or listen to our new podcast In the Interval. Plus, our Jesus Christ Superstar review and Beetlejuice review. We also have events like the best kids theatre shows and best West End shows.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

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