Nicole Scherzinger has received widespread critical acclaim for her performance in the new West End production of Sunset Boulevard, with several outlets awarding five stars. The Evening Standard, the Stage, and the Daily Mail all praised the former Pussycat Doll, with the Daily Mail stating she 'nails it from the off'.
Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical directed by Jamie Lloyd. Speaking backstage after opening night, she said the role had 'changed my life' and that she had 'trained myself like a weapon' for the physically and mentally demanding part.
However, not all reviews were glowing. The Guardian described the show as 'emotionally empty', while the Times suggested the role exposed Scherzinger's limitations as an actress and singer. The Times gave a three-star review, noting that her voice sometimes 'grinds through the gears'.
Despite some dissenting voices, Scherzinger broadly convinced critics of her vocal prowess. The Telegraph praised her for attaining 'the shattering force of a sonic boom' in big numbers like 'With One Look'. The Evening Standard's Nick Curtis declared her 'the greatest star of all' in London theatre right now.
When asked about a potential Broadway transfer, Scherzinger said she had never been to Broadway but would consider it 'if the stars align'. The show runs until January.
