Review: HERE COMES J. EDGAR! at King’s Head Theatre

This comedy musical is a hilarious and clever clapback, throwing a parodic light onto the concealed sexualities, love affairs and parties of a man outwardly known for his machismo and active homophobia.

The show opens with J. Edgar Hoover on his deathbed. Flanked by two nurses who couldn’t care less and while repeatedly asking to see his “lifetime assistant” and his long-deceased mother, J. Edgar slips into a dream and is joined by his younger self. Together, they begin retelling his life as a musical comedy, starting from his early days running a school gossip newspaper to his entry into and rise through the ranks of the FBI.

From the outside, he is one of the most powerful men in America; he knows everything about everyone and won’t let anything stand in his way of leading the FBI for the rest of his life. Behind closed doors, he’s hiding his biggest secret – his homosexuality. When he meets Clyde Tolson, the two quickly form a bond and embark on a hidden love affair that spans the course of decades. Clyde becomes J. Edgar’s lifetime assistant in the bureau, but it’s not enough for Clyde, who wants to have children, a home and a life with J. Edgar. From batting off the affections of his secretary, Helen, to blackmailing presidents in order to keep his position, J. Edgar’s life is far from boring. The private matters of the man who was in everyone else’s business are now out in the open for the world to see.

The show is funny from lights-up to lights down, led by a cast of performers who have comedy in their veins. Bryan Batt brought J. Edgar to life as a power-hungry leader, and also as a man hopelessly in love with his lifetime assistant. Hugo Bolton as Clyde Tolson played the perfect counterpoint to J. Edgar Hoover and together, they made an incredible comedy duo. Laura Medforth gave an outstanding performance as Helen and deserved the roaring laughter and eruption of applause after her number.

The musical is a comedy parody of J. Edgar’s life and musicals in general with direct references to other famous song and dance shows. It leans into the cheese and charm of classic musicals, filled with tap-inspired numbers, jazz hands and kick lines. It’s side-splitting and outrageous in all the best ways.

Here Comes J. Edgar! is a show you’ll regret missing. This is a show for people who love musicals. It’s for those who love to celebrate queer culture and for everyone who loves to laugh. When you leave Here Comes J. Edgar! your face will ache from smiling, and you’ll want to watch it again.