Groundhog Day overview: A darker and extra nuanced model

Composer/lyricist Tim Minchin and author Danny Rubin have tweaked their 2016 hit musical to ship better emotional influence. 

The story of narcissistic TV weatherman Phil Connors (Andy Karl, reprising his authentic position) trapped in a time loop in a small city is each science fiction fable and romcom.

Connors is cursed to repeat the identical day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to report on the climate predictions of the eponymous mammal till he learns the error of his methods.

Darker than the movie, it’s pushed by Karl’s very good efficiency who manages Connors’ gradual evolution from shallow egotism to warm-hearted humanity with utter conviction.

He negotiates the assorted phases of his journey with a finely nuanced efficiency, from Faustian drug-fuelled orgies to suicidal despair en path to redemption.

Director Matthew Warchus retains the hectic exercise flowing freely, aided by Rob Howell’s units that make use of miniature buildings,

vehicles and a moveable boarding home. The theatrical illusions accompanying his three suicide makes an attempt are completely executed.

Karl, Tanisha Spring as Rita, Andrew Langtree as his old fashioned buddy Ned and Eve Norris because the small city hottie Nancy are all excellent.

Being trapped in an area/time continuum has hardly ever appeared so gratifying.

• The Old Vic till August 19. Tickets: 0344 871 7628