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The Devil Wears Prada: Film vs West End Musical
Few films have defined fashion and ambition (or produced as many memes and iconic quotes) quite like The Devil Wears Prada. It’s no wonder that the fashion-forward musical has inspired others, including writer Kate Wetherhead and director & choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who together created The Devil Wears Prada Musical. The fan-favourite musical has been playing to packed (fashion)houses in London’s West End since October 2024. This article compares the film and stage version, exploring how the story, characters, music, and overall experience differ between the screen and the production at the Dominion Theatre. For more West End shows, visit: “Musicals.” Groundbreaking. The Devil Wears Prada musical vs film: key differences at a glance Well, the first major difference is that the characters sing. The Devil Wears Prada has a banging soundtrack, and the Vogue needledrop is perfect. But Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway never sing along to Madonna, or let us know their deepest emotions through song. This is where the musical has a distinct advantage… Not only does the 11x Grammy nominee, Vanessa Williams, and MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream winner, Stevie Doc, belt out their characters' deepest thoughts and feelings, but the songs themselves are penned by pop royalty, Elton John. The Rocket Man is no stranger to musicals, having written songs for The Lion King, Aida and Billy Elliot the Musical, among others. The stage production has a slightly different ending to the film, with some relationships and character arcs taking a different turn. We won’t give spoilers here, you’ll have to watch the musical to find out! “That is all” “groundbreaking” and “floral for spring” all get a mention in the musical, however some of the more toxic lines delivered in the 2006 film aren’t seen in the stage adaptation. It still has all the sass and barbed criticism - Andy’s skirt doesn’t come away unscathed - however it doesn’t come with the thin-centric, fatphobic lines. Andy isn’t referred to as fat and Nigel doesn’t give her the nickname “8” in reference to her dress size (which, to Runway's standards, was plus-size and not to be celebrated). We’re very glad it’s gone, and that they’ve avoided referencing Andy’s, or anyone’s, weight in the recent The Devil Wears Prada 2. Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 Movie Plot going to be in the musical? No, The Devil Wears Prada Musical remains a direct adaptation of the original story, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel and the 2006 film. It does not incorporate plot elements from the sequel. However, the musical does present a more contemporary take on the fashion industry, giving the story a modern edge that feels fresh for today’s audience. If you want to know more about The Devil Wears Prada 2, check out everything we know about the follow-up here. How The Devil Wears Prada story changes from film to musical The musical stays true to the core narrative: Andy Sachs lands a job at Runway magazine and navigates the demanding world of fashion under Miranda Priestly. However, adapting the story for theatre means certain moments are heightened or condensed. Songs replace internal monologues and add emotional clarity, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with Andy’s journey. The musical also leans further into themes of self-worth, authenticity, and female empowerment. This shift is partly influenced by its all-female creative team, which brings a fresh perspective to Andy’s struggles and choices. As a result, her transformation, in our eyes, feels more introspective and empowering than in the film. That is all.
7 May, 2026 | By Sian McBride