Thrill Me, Book, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff, Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, London SE1 | until 3 May 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

Photo credit: Robert Piwko

Thrill Me

Book, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff

Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, London SE1 | until 3 May 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by William Russell

“Well performed tale of lust, obsession and murder.”

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were two young university students in Chicago who in May 1924 committed what was known at the time as “the crime of the century” when in an attempt to commit the perfect crime they killed 14-year-old Bobby Franks. They were defended by Clarence Darrow – their parents had money – one of the great lawyers of the day and instead of a death sentence were given life imprisonment. Loeb was murdered by a fellow inmate in 1936; Leopold was eventually released in 1958.

Stephen Dolginoff has taken their story and turned it in a compelling and ultimately chilling 90-minute musical with Leopold facing the parole board recalling his meeting with the charismatic Loeb who, after reading the works of Nietzsche, decided they were superior beings and would prove it. They were also lovers with the nerdish Leopold worshipping his flamboyant friend - “thrill me” is his demand that they have sex, the reward for a life of petty crime they embark on before coming to the worst crime of all. Director Gerald Armin has secured good performances Jamie Kaye as the diminutive Leopold and Rufus Kampa as the tall, striking Loeb. They were, of course, nowhere near as clever as they thought and were soon discovered with the spectacles Leopold had lost at the crime scene playing a major part in what follows. Kaye gets the best chances and takes them to considerable effect, but both of them speech sing Dolginoff's not exactly memorable, although undeniably serviceable, score played by Richard Seaman on the piano. It is a good showcase for the talents of Kaye and Kampa and the run is already sold out. As a study of obsession and manipulation it is compelling, although I have seen better productions, but that final moment when there really is a revelation that one has not seen coming is certainly worth the wait.

Cast

Rufus Kampa = Richard Loeb

Jamie Kaye – Nathan Leopold

Richard Cunningham – the voice of the parole officer/ radio newscaster

Creatives

Director – Gerald Armin

Musical Director – Richard Seaman

Design – Waterloo East Theatre

Costumes – Penny Topsom

Lighting – Jonathan Simpson