"For The Lack of Laura" – An Evening of Magic and Music at London’s Shaw Theatre
By Yinka Dixon
Wednesday 30th July 2025
A New Musical That’s Set to Become a Classic
Every so often, a theatre production comes along that shakes off the dust of predictable storytelling and gifts audiences something fresh. For The Lack of Laura, currently lighting up the Shaw Theatre, London, is one such production.
For me, it was more than just a night out. Tobi Kaye, had the honour of playing one of Laura’s hopeful-but ultimately rejected-suitors. Yet, this was far from a “proud parent” moment alone. It was an unforgettable evening of world-class storytelling, exquisite live music, and an ensemble performance worthy of standing ovations.
The Story – Romance, Myth, and Time
Created by Kurt Rosenberg (Writer and Composer), "For The Lack of Laura" takes audiences on a romantic journey laced with myth, time travel, and tender human longing. Directed with vision by Luke Morgan, the story follows Laura, a young woman whose life is forever changed when she is swept through time and space, encountering love, loss, and hard choices along the way.
The musical’s 26 original songs, performed with the backing of a live 16-piece orchestra, are steeped in Celtic influence yet carry a Broadway-like grandeur. Harp, flute, bodhrán, and strings weave soundscapes that feel as much like an enchanted forest as a bustling theatre.
Showstopping Performances
LAURA: JANE PATTERSON
At the heart of this musical is Jane Patterson in the title role of Laura. Her voice-powerful yet delicate, rich with emotion-commanded the stage from her first note to the final curtain call.
As fate would have it, I sat next to her real father, who quietly shared the hours Jane had poured into perfecting her voice. That effort paid off spectacularly: her performance wasn’t just technically perfect; it was electric.
GWENDOLETHE: MO LOMBARDO
The evening’s delicious villainy came courtesy of Mo Lombardo as the witchy stepmother, Gwendolethe - a role delivered with theatrical flair and just the right amount of wicked humour.
MAGGIE: EMMA DALY
Emma Daly, playing Maggie (Laura’s spirited confidante), was another revelation. Her duet stopped the audience in its tracks, and her comedic timing gave the production a lovely balance of light and shade.
THE ENSEMBLE
The ensemble, including Tobi Kaye (Writer/Suitor), delivered with infectious enthusiasm and professionalism, making it very easy to forget this is a relatively new musical and not a decades-old theatre staple.
Special mention must also go to the role of Alan, and Laura’s on-stage father, whose performances brought warmth and depth, rounding off a perfectly cast team.
Creative Excellence Behind the Scenes
This production is no accident. From Kurt Rosenberg’s emotive score to Morgan Brothers’ visionary production leadership, everything about "For The Lack of Laura" screams deliberate excellence.
The set design is refreshingly minimalist, focusing the audience’s attention on the cast and orchestra. Lighting and AV effects provide an atmospheric journey through centuries, while the costume design enriches the visual storytelling, pulling us deeper into this time-bending tale.
The Bigger Picture
It is one thing to produce a new musical; it is quite another to create one with such heart, technical quality, and clear future potential. "For the Lack of Laura" feels like a serious player - a musical that could easily travel, grow, and thrive on international stages.
For Ireland, and particularly Galway (home to Tobi Kaye and many of the creative team’s connections), this is a powerful statement: Irish talent isn’t just participating in international theatre; it is leading, shaping, and shining on global stages.
A Happy Coincidence
And in one of those delightful surprises you only get in live theatre, I found myself sitting next to Laura’s real-life dad. After whispering to him, “Oh, she’s very good!” he smiled and said quietly, “I’m her dad.” I whispered back, “I’m Tobi’s mum!”
He shared how much work Jane had poured into perfecting her act and voice. That little backstory only deepened my admiration for what we witnessed on stage.
As the show ended, I was also privileged to meet the man behind the story, Kurt Rosenberg, (pictured above with me), along with some of the cast. You could see that fulfilled glow performers have when they know they’ve put on something special. And this, indeed, was an absolutely special show.
Final Thoughts
If you are in London between now and Saturday, 2nd August 2025, do yourself a favour: book a ticket. You don't want to miss this show.
Shows like this don’t come along often. You will laugh, you will hum the tunes on your way home, and you might even find yourself reflecting on love and destiny in the quiet moments after.
I left the theatre inspired, not just because my son was on that stage, but because the entire team delivered a first-class performance that deserves to be celebrated far beyond London.
For The Lack of Laura runs at the Shaw Theatre until 2nd August 2025.
Review written by:
Dr. Yinka Dixon, PhD (hon)
"Queen of New Beginnings"
New Beginnings Impact Journal
New Beginnings Publishing & Careers Solutions Ltd
I was at the show on Friday night. Excelent cast. It was fantastic. I don't regret going. An Evening well spent. Stella
ReplyDeleteThat's great.👍 It's a brilliant plot... 👏
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