Award-winning lyricist Don Black steps into the spotlight for an 85-minute theatrical revue titled From The Heart at London’s Garrick Theatre, running through October 18, 2026, Matinee Mouse reported. Instead of relying strictly on a traditional compilation of old classics, Black presents a revue filled with new work written specifically for the production, breaking away from conventional narrative plotlines.
The performance weaves together approximately 18 songs in a non-linear format, accompanied by voiceovers from Black that recount thematically linked events from his life and career. Director, choreographer, and creative developer Nick Winston places the cast in an intimate cabaret-esque setting with small tables and chairs spread across the space. Sophia Pardon designed the set, featuring a grand piano and cello platformed on a raised glossy black pedestal centre stage beneath suspended lighting fixtures arranged by Ben Cracknell.
Chamber Orchestrations and Onstage Instrumentation
Musical arrangements by Nick Barstow transform Black’s ideas into chamber orchestrations designed to highlight the individual strengths of the cast. The production features musical director Joe Church on keys and Oliver Copeland on bass and cello positioned centre stage, offering a rare moment of onstage musician visibility in West End theatre. Richard Brooker provides sound design that ensures Black’s voiceovers fill the room with clarity and warmth.
Don Black’s acclaimed From The Heart returns to the West End 📣Following a sell-out run last year, Clive Rowe, Caroline O'Connor, and Michael Xavier lead this extraordinary celebration of new songs and much-loved favourites at the Garrick Theatre 🎼 🎟️ https://t.co/pLuP8wHPdt pic.twitter.com/8PeYCDa5qi
The five-person cast features Caroline O’Connor, Michael D. Xavier, Shona McGarty, Clive Rowe, and Frances Mayli McCann. Standout moments include O’Connor and Xavier performing numbers from Sunset Boulevard, McGarty delivering a rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever,” and Rowe tackling emotionally heavy solos.
Surprise Guest Appearances and Ticket Details
Each performance includes a surprise guest with a personal connection to Black. A recent show featured actress and longtime friend Bonnie Langford, who stepped directly from a matinee performance of Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre to perform “If I Never Sing Another Song.” Standard tickets for From The Heart are priced from £15 through LOVEtheatre, with £25 Rush tickets released on each performance day via the TodayTix app.
Worth a look