When King Writes

Contents:
What’s the plot?
Books vs. musical: Which wins?
Tips for your Trip

I went to London to watch The Time Traveler’s Wife musical because, like any self-respecting fan of Audrey Niffenegger’s novel, I had to see how they pulled this off on stage. 

Spoiler: I’m glad I did.

Just for context, I’ve read the book twice (Okay, maybe three times, but I stopped counting after two 🤣). It’s an emotional rollercoaster that wrecked me every single time. The love, the loss, the inevitability of time pulling Henry and Clare apart—ugh, perfection. 

Naturally, I had high hopes (and a tiny bit of fear) for the musical adaptation. Would it do the story justice? Would it mess with my cherished mental images of the characters? Would I cry? 

So I booked my ticket for the first week of the show, hopped on a plane, and found myself in a West End theater, buzzing with excitement. Here are quick details I can share about this musical—hopefully to help you decide whether it’s worth your time (pun intended 🤪).

What’s the Plot?

In case you’ve somehow missed the cultural phenomenon that is The Time Traveler’s Wife (that’s been adapted into a movie, TV series, and now a Musical), here’s the gist. 

It’s a love story with a sci-fi twist: Henry DeTamble has Chrono-Displacement Disorder, which makes him involuntarily travel through time. One minute he’s here; the next he’s naked in the 1980s, trying not to get arrested. 

Meanwhile, Clare Abshire, an artist, grows up knowing and loving Henry because future-Henry keeps popping up in her childhood. It may sound fishy with this one-liner, but I swear it makes sense when you read the novel.

So when they meet in Clare’s present, it’s the first time Henry’s ever seen her. Complicated? Yes. Beautiful? Absolutely.

Again, our main characters:

Henry DeTamble: The time-traveling librarian with a penchant for disappearing at the worst possible moments. His condition is both a blessing and a curse, and it often leaves him stranded, vulnerable, and, frankly, naked.

Clare Abshire: The steadfast artist who loves Henry despite the heartbreak his condition brings. She’s known him her whole life, but he hasn’t known her until much later. **Awkward.

Together, Clare and Henry navigate love, loss, and the inevitable chaos of building a life with someone who’s never entirely in the same timeline.

Book vs. Musical: Which Wins?

I’ll say it straight: The book will always be my first love. (Sorry, musical.) 

There’s something about Niffenegger’s prose that pulls you so deeply into Henry and Clare. No movie, series, or musical will ever measure up to how Niffenegger breathed to life these characters and the world they live in.

But the musical? It’s a stunner in its own right. The stage design is a technical marvel, and the way they handle Henry’s disappearances and reappearances was honest to God jaw-dropping. 

I thought I was watching a magic show yet somehow heartbreakingly human. There were moments where I thought, “How did they do that?” and moments where I thought, “Wow, I need tissues.”

The songs… are a mixed bag. Some hit you right in the feels, while others feel like they’re just there to move the story along. But the emotional beats land, and that’s what counts.

Tips for Your Trip

Where to Get Tickets: Book online through the official website. Just present your mobile tickets at the door.

To help you choose a seat, here’s a quick video of what the Apollo Theater looks like inside. I like sitting in front because I have very poor eyesight. 🤓

Getting There: The Apollo Theatre is in London’s West End. Aka, the Theatreland. It’s London’s main theater district, so getting there is straightforward. If you’re a tourist, pair it with some sightseeing.

Where to Eat: Eat before you go. The theater serves snacks and drinks but no real food. I hit up Chinatown (it’s nearby!) for some dim sum and noodles before the show—my kind of pre-theater meal.

Final Thoughts

If you go into The Time Traveler’s Wife musical without any context, you might find yourself a bit lost. The plot is intricate, and the time jumps aren’t always easy to follow. 

But if you’ve read the book, it’s a beautiful companion piece that brings the story to life in a whole new way.

So, my advice is read the book first. Or at the very least familiarize yourself with Niffenegger’s vision for the book. Then grab a ticket and experience the magic—and the heartbreak—on stage. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably want to read the book again.

If you’re an emotional wreck afterward, welcome to the club.