As a representative of the National School Theatre Awards (NSTAs), I had the distinct pleasure of attending the ArtsEd London production of Jasper in Deadland on Thursday 26th February 2026. Under the expert guidance of director Ziggie Carter, the creative vision of choreographer Marina Climent Casas, and the sophisticated musical direction of Giovanna Ryan, this rendition of the modern musical proved to be an absolutely superb evening of entertainment. It was an underworld trip truly worth the dive.
Jasper in Deadland is a contemporary pop-rock musical centered on sixteen-year-old Jasper, who plunges into the afterlife (the titular ‘Deadland’) to rescue his best friend Agnes after her mysterious death. Heavily inspired by the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the story follows Jasper as he journeys through a surreal, subterranean world populated by gods, monsters, and lost souls drawn from Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Norse, and Judeo-Christian mythology. Along the way, he learns the heavy reality of what it means to die, while simultaneously questioning the very essence of what it means to live. With a book by Hunter Foster and a score by Ryan Scott Oliver, this dark musical comedy originally premiered off-Broadway in 2014, and its edgy, high-stakes energy felt perfectly suited to the talented cast at ArtsEd.
The technical execution of the show was immediately striking. An electrifying and otherworldly atmosphere was created with industrial scaffolding, layered platforms, and a versatile, shape-shifting set. The towering scaffold structures evoked the fragmented, perilous architecture of a modernised Deadland, allowing the actors to climb, descend, and appear suddenly from unexpected levels. This verticality was essential in mirroring Jasper’s chaotic, downward journey through the layers of the afterlife. The set did not just sit in the background; it functioned as a living part of the storytelling, providing a playground for the ensemble to create a sense of scale and danger.
In the title role, Callum delivered a standout performance as Jasper, showcasing the kind of polish and charisma rarely seen in a teenage performer. A true triple threat, he combined expressive, emotionally grounded acting with confident, dynamic vocals and impressively agile movement. His portrayal captured the frantic desperation of a boy out of his depth, yet he maintained a vocal clarity that anchored the show’s rock-heavy score. His chemistry with Agnes (played by Edie) was electric, providing the emotional stakes necessary to make the audience care about his quest. Furthermore, his comedic timing was impeccable, allowing for moments of much-needed levity amidst the darker themes of the narrative.
Edie delivered a beautifully emotional and versatile performance in the dual roles of Agnes and Gretchen. She brought a remarkable level of depth and distinction to two characters that demand significant contrast and complexity. As Agnes, she captured a tender vulnerability and a quiet, haunting pain that lingered in the air. When shifting into the role of Gretchen, she transformed effortlessly, displaying a boldness, wit, and rebellious energy that stood in sharp contrast. One of the greatest strengths of Edie’s performance was her effortless connection and communication with the audience.
The cast displayed an impressive level of talent, making it difficult to acknowledge every performer individually; however, notable highlights included the extensive multi-rolling of the character Agnes during “Goodbye Jasper”, with each performer demonstrating remarkable vocal ability. Leo offered a confident and comical interpretation of Mr Lethe, bringing lively unpredictability to one of the show’s most eccentric figures. With sharp timing, playful physicality, and mischievous charm, he turned every scene into a highlight. Alex’s comic approach to Hathaway was particularly memorable, Bella brought great hilarity to the role of Beatrix, and Rohan – playing Dante – commanded a compelling stage presence.
The choreography and music burst with exhilarating energy, driven by the show’s fantastic rock score and the cast’s electrifying execution of it. The ensemble delivered tight, charismatic vocals that blended powerfully with the show’s pulsing musical style, creating a sound that felt both contemporary and immersive. Their movement work was equally striking; enigmatic, fluid and often visually arresting, it was supported by inventive choreography that showcased the cast’s unity, versatility and commitment. Ensemble numbers – particularly “Goodbye Jasper”, “Living Dead” and “The Killing” – became standout moments with performers shifting seamlessly between characters and moods, giving the production a dynamic, high-octane rhythm that elevated the entire show.
Ultimately, ArtsEd London delivered an energetic and thrilling interpretation of Jasper in Deadland that left a lasting impression on its audience. From start to finish, the performance created a world that felt vividly alive and emotionally charged. The cast’s commitment, combined with bold choreography and inventive storytelling, resulted in a show that was not only visually and musically striking but also deeply engaging.
This vibrant production of Jasper in Deadland serves as a powerful reminder of the creativity, dedication and talent thriving in college theatre. Performances such as this not only showcase the remarkable potential of young artists, but also highlight why investing in and celebrating educational theatre is so essential; because it continues to inspire, challenge and elevate the next generation of performers and storytellers.