“You join the mob, get mobbed or become famous.”
Last night I went to see Jersey Boys at the Wales Millennium Centre, and from the very first number it was clear why this musical has climbed its way into the same league as long‑running giants like Les Misérables, Wicked and The Lion King. What unfolded on stage was a vivid, high‑octane dive into the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons — a group whose sound helped define the explosion of rock‑and‑roll in the 1950s and 60s.
The creation of the band was anything but smooth sailing. Despite their trademark tight harmonies, the off‑stage reality was turbulent, messy and often dangerous. The show leans into that grit with confidence, revealing the fractures beneath the polished performances. Tommy DeVito’s long‑standing ties to mob figures and his spiralling gambling debts cast a shadow over the group’s success, creating a tension that simmers throughout the production. It’s a story of ambition, loyalty, betrayal and survival — and the musical never shies away from the darker corners of their history.
What stood out most, unsurprisingly, were the vocals. The Four Seasons’ catalogue is packed with instantly recognisable hits — “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and my personal favourite, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” With Frankie Valli’s distinctive falsetto and the group’s intricate harmonies, I was curious to see whether the cast could deliver that unmistakable sound live. Any doubts vanished almost immediately.
Luke Baker gives a phenomenal performance as Frankie Valli, maintaining extraordinary vocal precision throughout one of the most demanding roles in musical theatre. His stamina, clarity and emotional depth were genuinely astonishing. Carlo Boumouglbay brings a fiery, unpredictable energy to Tommy DeVito, capturing both his charisma and his chaos. Lewis Kennedy’s understated, simmering portrayal of Nick Massi provides some of the show’s most compelling moments, while Toby Miles shines as Bob Gaudio — measured, intelligent and quietly magnetic.
The wider cast were equally impressive, delivering the kind of full‑throttle energy that makes this musical feel so alive. Jordan Oliver, Ellie Seaton, Olivia McLoughlin, Andy Coxon, Christopher Short, James Alexander‑Gibson, Luke Byrne, Matthew Goodgame, Ben Irish, Charlie McCullagh, Tom Oliver, Alex Lodge, Ryan Carter, and Emma Louise Carter all contributed to a production that felt rich, dynamic and bursting with momentum. Their collective performance gave the show its vibrant pulse, driving home the unmistakable sound of The Four Seasons with authenticity and flair.
One of the most striking elements of Jersey Boys is its structure. The story is divided into four “seasons,” each narrated by a different band member. This creates a clever, documentary‑style narrative where each man tells his version of events — sometimes aligning, sometimes contradicting, always revealing. The use of unreliable narrators elevates the show far beyond the typical band‑biography musical, giving it dramatic weight and a refreshing sense of honesty.
By the end of the night, it was easy to see why Jersey Boys has earned its place among the greats. It’s sharp, compelling, musically exhilarating and packed with heart. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the theatre, this is a show I’d wholeheartedly recommend.
Jersey Boys will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 22nd August and tickets are selling out fast, so gets yours now!
You can find out more about Jersey Boys on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
And keep a look out for what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram!
All photo credits to Mark Senior.
