The Last 5 Years musically tells the story of the relationship between newly published author Jamie and aspiring actress Cathy. Its unique structure sees the story told in opposite directions; Jamie moves chronologically while Cathy’s story is told from back to front, the pair only meeting in the middle.

Originally produced in Chicago in 2001, The Last Five Years was staged off-Broadway in 2002 and received its UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2006 in a production starring Damian Humbley and Lara Pulver. It was revived at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2008, the production that is reconceived here for the Duchess theatre.

At the Duchess theatre, the part of Cathy is played by Julie Atherton, a Notes From New York Associate Artist who is best known for originating the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in outrageous puppet musical Avenue Q, a role to which she returns after appearing in The Last 5 Years and tick… tick… BOOM! Atherton’s other credits include Mamma Mia! and Fame.

Notes From New York founder Paul Spicer takes the part of Jamie in The Last 5 Years. Spicer’s West End credits include The Witches Of Eastwick and Taboo, and he has also appeared at the Gothenburg Opera playing the part of Tobias in Sweeney Todd.

The Last 5 Years is staged as part of Notes From New York at the Duchess theatre, a season which also includes performances of Jonathan Larson’s tick… tick… BOOM!

For more about The Last 5 Years at the Duchess theatre read the First Night Feature.

Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.