“I wanna be, wanna be, wanna be…” has been looping in my head since leaving the Opera House, and truthfully, I don’t mind it one bit. 13 Going on 30 – The Musical has arrived for its world premiere, bringing Jennifer Garner’s much-loved film to the stage with a wave of nostalgia that’s impossible to resist.
The original 2004 film tells the story of Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who wishes away her teenage years so that she can become an adult. Her wish magically comes true, and she wakes up thirty, flirty, and thriving. What follows is a joyful and heartfelt exploration of what really matters in life.
@magentaadventures Recently went to watch 13 going on 30 the musical at the Opera House in Manchester for one of their first ever shows … here’s my opinion & there’s more to come on www.magentaadventures.com 🩷 (apologies if I’ve mispronounced any names) #13goingon30themusical #theatrereview #manchestertheatre #13goingon30 @
♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem
Cast performances
Lucie Jones - Jenna Rink
Taking on the iconic role of Jenna Rink is Lucie Jones, who delivers a truly memorable performance. She balances childlike innocence with adult sophistication, embodying Jenna’s awkward but endearing journey with charisma and authenticity. Her mesmerising vocals only heighten the performance, each number flowing so naturally it feels as though the songs were written for her.
David Hunter - Matt Flamhaff
Alongside Lucie Jones is a wonderfully likeable David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff. His easy charm and grounded presence bring warmth to the role, and his chemistry with Jones feels entirely genuine. Their duets are tender and beautifully capture the essence of a lifelong bond that is both fragile and unbreakable.
Grace Mouat - Lucy
And then, we have the exceptional Grace Mouat as Lucy, delivering sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. Having previously seen her as Karen in Mean Girls, I knew she would be fantastic, but here she takes it to another level. Mouat turns Lucy into the ultimate love-to-hate character with a playful hint of the airheaded charm she perfected as Karen. With a powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence, she ensures every one of her scenes is a highlight.
Rising stars
The younger cast deserves particular praise, with the teenage talent in this production standing out at every turn. Amelia Minto as young Jenna and Max Bispham as young Matt were exceptional. Their chemistry brought innocence and humour to the stage, grounding the story with youthful charm, while their powerful vocals hinted at the remarkable careers that lie ahead.
The ensemble brought energy and vibrancy throughout, with the Six Chicks adding sharp comedic moments and perfectly capturing the high school dynamic. Special mention goes to Cyrus Campbell and Andrew Berlin, who hilariously portrayed both the young and adult Kyle, delighting the audience with their playful wit and comic timing.
Nostalgia with a fresh spark
What makes this adaptation work so well is its balance of nostalgia and originality. The production honours the film’s most iconic moments while introducing new music that feels fresh and authentic. Catchy, clever, and emotionally resonant, the songs add depth to the story without ever distracting from it.
Visually, the production is as colourful as you would expect from a story rooted in the early 2000s. The costumes perfectly capture the original aesthetic and iconic outfits without feeling dated, while the set flows seamlessly between Jenna’s basement, sleek magazine offices, and moody nightclubs.
A musical that knows its audience
Rather than reinventing the film or leaning too heavily on nostalgia, 13 Going on 30 – The Musical perfectly showcases the work of a production team that understands the story and its audience.
The greatest strength of this theatre production is its ability to amplify the story through song, performance, and staging – ultimately making a twenty-year-old favourite feel brand new.
The audience laughed, cried, and remained fully invested in Jenna’s journey. This is a production that resonates across generations, reminding us that no matter how old we get, the best parts of ourselves are often the ones we first discovered as teenagers.
I have no doubt this show is set for huge success, but for now, you can catch it at Manchester’s Opera House until 12 October 2025. Full details on dates, cast, and venues can be found on the official 13 Going on 30 – The Musical website
