TikTok star and West End performer Hannah Lowther has hit the road to put on an unmissable show: How Very Hannah Live!, based on Lowther’s podcast of the same name. If you’re currently stacking shelves at your supermarket job, dreaming of leaving that behind and being on the stage – don’t worry, this show has taught me that it is possible. Lowther has gone from singing in her Tesco Uniform on TikTok to going on tour with her very own show. Could you ask for a better success story?

Going into the theatre, I was not sure what to expect as I have never listened to the podcast – my knowledge of Lowther ranging from her supermarket skits to her time spent on Heathers and Six (which are two of my favourite musicals, so what a resume she has). Despite my shortcomings, I was not left disappointed.  

Act 1 began by introducing Lowther and almost immediately I was hooked by her dazzling personality; she is basically the embodiment of musical theatre (in the best way possible). As expected, she almost immediately bursts into song. If you’re a fan who missed her playing Katherine Howard in Six, fear not, she performs a unique and hilarious rendition of ‘All You Wanna Do,’ with a personal spin. 

Eventually we are introduced to Lowther’s guest for the evening, and I was pleasantly surprised to be met with Jacob Fowler. If you are not aware of Fowler’s impressive career, he is the world’s longest running JD in Heathers, and he won TV talent show Little Mix: The Search. As he sat on the podcast sofa with Lowther, the pair exchanged stories from their time on the West End and entertained the audience with exclusive theatre gossip.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its interactive nature. It was packed with audience participation and Lowther made her fans feel really involved. At the end of the first act, the pair ask the audience to name an occupation and a celebrity, leading to an extremely iconic improv performance of Lowther pretending to be a bus driver and Fowler impersonating Celine Dion (which was, if I’m honest, one of the best Celine Dion impersonations I’ve ever heard). The intermission began and I didn’t think Act 2 could live up to Act 1, but I was wrong. 

The audience is again immersed into the world of all things musical theatre. Lowther and Fowler read dilemmas and help an audience filled with many aspiring theatre performers, offering advice from getting your dream role, to how to handle missing your performances due to illness. Lowther’s advice was not only inspiring, but also realistic, making her the perfect role model for her mostly teenage audience.  

Lowther also took the opportunity to promote her new book, Les Quizérables – which is a trivia book on everything musicals related. To give a taste of what you can expect from the book, Lowther quizzes Fowler in a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? style segment. If Fowler didn’t know the answer he could use his lifelines, able to ask the audience and phone a friend (sadly for Fowler and amusingly for the audience, nobody answered the phone). 

The show concluded perfectly with Lowther and Fowler performing ‘Serious’ from the musical Legally Blonde, and due to the humorous nature of most of the show I almost forgot how talented the pair are. If you get the chance to see either in an upcoming musical, definitely take the opportunity – their voices are a real treat!  

Ultimately, How Very Hannah Live! offered an enjoyable evening for all musical theatre fans. Unfortunately, this show was only in Birmingham for one night only. Hannah Lowther, if you ever plan on touring again, we would love to have you back! 

Rating: 4/5

Tickets are available for the rest of Hannah Lowther’s tour here!

Enjoyed this review? Read more from Culture below:

Musical Review: Friends! The Musical Parody

Theatre Review: Measure for Measure

Theatre Review: The Talented Mr Ripley