REVIEW: Mirror - A delicate journey of self, family, and the world beyond the glass

©️Photo by Leyang Wang

Are you still yourself when you look in the mirror?

In Mirror, a young woman steps into a flawless mirrored world, free of conflict, control, and expectation, where she meets the version of herself she has always longed to be. But as the reflection deepens, the question emerges: at what cost?

The musical blends poetic storytelling with original music, unfolding within the emotional depths of an East Asian family structure. It explores the quiet struggles behind the “good child” mask: love entangled with control, harmony maintained through silence, and the uncertainty of self-identity. The interplay between the worlds inside and outside the mirror is handled with clarity, inviting the audience to drift seamlessly between reality and illusion.

The performances are heartfelt. As Mum, Xue Xue creates a striking contrast between the two worlds, at times a figure of authority whose affection is edged with control, at others a softened, almost unrecognisable presence that hints at an alternate relationship. This duality gives the role both tension and poignancy. Eloise brings warmth and vulnerability to Cathy, anchoring the story’s emotional arc with sincerity. As the Voice, Cecilia Longoni slips into the role of a seemingly benevolent ‘angel’, but laces every word with a subtle, deceptive pull, a performance that tempts as much as it guides, adding an unsettling layer to the mirrored world. Director Zhiwei Wu's staging flows smoothly, with charming details that give texture and lightness to the storytelling.

Developed over six months within Goldsmiths’ MA Musical Theatre programme, Mirror is the work of an international team of emerging artists who have shaped the piece from the ground up. That collaborative process shows in the production’s cohesion and emotional clarity. Behind the scenes, producers Zhuoyue Chen (Joyce), Yu Qin (Sharpay), Xu (Bella) Gu, and Keyue Cao have guided the project from its earliest sketches to a fully realised staging, bringing together music, movement, and design into a polished and heartfelt whole. The result is a musical that feels carefully nurtured, yet alive with the freshness of new voices.

★★★★

For more information, please visit: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-musical-of-mirror/

Credits

Mum: Xue Xue
Cathy: Eloise
Voice: Cecilia Longoni
Director: Zhiwei Wu
Playwright: Sherry
Composer & Lyricist: SAKAKOSMOS (Yujie Ding)
Producers: Zhuoyue Chen (Joyce), Yu Qin (Sharpay), Xu (Bella) Gu, Keyue Cao