From Here To Eternity

Shaftesbury Theatre, London

Lyricist Sir Tim Rice has worked on some of musical theatre's biggest hits - and with some of its biggest names.

Although best known for his collaborations with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, which included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, his stellar back catalogue also includes The Lion King, written with Sir Elton John, and Chess, written with Abba's Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

For this latest project, however, his first new show for 13 years, Rice chose to work with a first-time West End composer - Stuart Brayson. And the gamble definitely paid off.

From Here To Eternity is based on American author James Jones’ critically acclaimed novel, which was adapted for the Oscar-winning 1953 film starring Burt Lancaster and Frank Sinatra.

Set in 1941 in Pearl Harbor, as war approaches, it follows the soldiers of G Company, including First Sergeant Milt Warden, who embarks on a dangerous affair with his commanding officer’s wife, and troubled Private Prewitt, who falls for kind-hearted escort club girl Lorene.

The dramatic nature of the storyline offers the opportunity for some great musical numbers, and Rice and Brayson don't disappoint, embracing blues, big band, swing and rock ‘n’ roll.

Highlights include the soldiers' G Company Blues, Lorene's torch song Run Along Joe, and Prewitt's signature anthem Fight The Fight, recently released as a single by musical theatre legend Michael Ball.

The songs are expertly delivered by the talented cast, notably former Pop Idol finalist Darius Campbell as Warden, and Robert Lonsdale as Prewitt.

One of the best moments of the show is when the lovelorn pair team up for a duet, playing guitars and singing Ain't Where I Wanna Be Blues.

In addition to the music, the show's athletic choreography is also spectacular, particularly the slow-motion movement sequences used to portray particularly violent scenes.

Indeed, the show is very dark in nature, reflecting the tensions and repressions of army life, along with the rampant sexism and homophobia in 1940s America.

Among its victims is Private Angelo Maggio, a cheeky American-Italian chancer, who suffers a grisly fate at the hands of his violent superiors. Ryan Sampson is breathtaking in the role, completely believable as he transcends from a perky charmer to the broken shell of a man who bitterly sings I Love The Army.

In the West End's current sea of jukebox musicals and family-friendly shows, From Here To Eternity is a welcome tonic, offering an unashamedly adult, thought-provoking evening of entertainment.

From Here To Eternity is booking to April 2014. Tickets from £25. Call 020 7379 5399 or click here