Press
“12 theatre faces to look out for in 2020” in WhatsOnStage, 27 December 2019
Full feature in The Stage, 4 September, 2018
"accompanied by an evocative soundtrack by Nicola Chang, time seems almost suspended. It’s a tremendous production, balancing beauty and brutality, and bringing fresh poignancy to Strindberg’s masterpiece."
★★★★★ The Stage on Miss Julie
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2020/miss-julie-review-at-storyhouse-chester-vital-timely-adaptation-of-strindbergs-play/
“Sound is another important factor in For Black Boys… with an inspired use of music interspersing the action. [As] a play where sound and music are a key part, sound designer and composer Nicola T. Chang brings these together remarkably, with sound also working well with the movement to bring characters back into reality.”
★★★★★ All That Dazzles on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
“Almost like a seventh character, the significance of music in this choreopoem, really deserves a separate review”
★★★★★ Afridiziak News on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
“Flawless soundtrack.”
★★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2022/04/for-black-boys/
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design is frequently spot-on."
★★★★★ The Upcoming on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2024/03/08/for-black-boys-who-have-considered-suicide-when-the-hue-gets-too-heavy-at-garrick-theatre-theatre-review/
“Nicola T. Chang’s sound design and music is woven into the show well”
★★★★½ Mark Aspen on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
https://markaspen.com/2023/04/02/black-boys/#more-14225
"A beautifully poetic and bold piece of theatre. FBB is a stunningly slick show directed by the writer Ryan Calais Cameron, with music and sound by Nicola T. Chang."
★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2024/03/for-black-boys-who/
"For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy comes full of beans, the sound design and composition (Nicola T Chang) a mix of several genres, jazzy, mellow, hiphop and more."
British Theatre Guide on For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/for-black-boys-garrick-theatre-23064
"Nicola T Chang’s use of sound throughout is subtle but vital to the play’s success; the use of breath to create tension matches the breaths that we did not realise we were holding."
★★★★★ Lost in Theatreland on The Swell
https://lostintheatreland.co.uk/the-swell-review-orange-tree-theatre/
"A tantalising vocal score (sound design by the prolific Nicola T. Chang) characterised by rich, haunting harmonies that, well, swell, conjuring the gently acknowledged ocean-side location of the play’s world. The score is not just melodic though. A sigh or gasp on stage is sometimes echoed by the other hidden voices, creating an unsettling surround-sound effect. You’ll find yourself glancing over your shoulder to see where it came from, and wondering how it sounded like it was right in your ear."
★★★★ Evening Standard on The Swell
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/the-swell-orange-tree-theatre-review-isley-lynn-b1091239.html
"[The] swift transitions [are] set to really beautiful Imogen Heap-esque choral creations by Nicola T Chang."
★★★★ The Stage on The Swell
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-swell-review-at-orange-tree-theatre-richmond-from-isley-lynn
"Great credit too, to composer Nicola T. Chang for a quite extraordinary, beautiful, haunting sound design incorporating taped music with live harmonies from the cast. A weird, otherworldly sound that gives context to the strangeness of the story."
★★★★ The Reviews Hub on The Swell
https://www.thereviewshub.com/the-swell-orange-tree-theatre-london/
"Ghostly live music composed by Nicola T Chang links scenes"
★★★★ The Guardian on The Swell
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/jun/30/the-swell-review-orange-tree-theatre-london
"[A] soothing musical sound enhanced the onstage performance and moved the action along in a rather ethereal way"
★★★★ Mark Aspen on The Swell
https://markaspen.com/2023/06/30/swell/#more-15049
"A thoroughly convincing cast perform in an ambience greatly enhanced by composer Nicola T Chang’s music."
★★★★ The Arts Desk on The Swell
https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/swell-orange-tree-theatre-review-mind-bending-romantic-drama
"The piece is accompanied by a beautiful vocal score. Again, lively at the beginning, accompanying a fun night out scene, but increasingly more haunting. Characters offstage echo the action on stage with gasps or repeated words and the music becomes more and more melancholy... wonderful performances and an enchanting vocal score, creating a wonderful exploration of the human condition of love."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on The Swell
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-the-swell-orange-tree-theatre
"Composer and co-musical director Nicola T. Chang has created, with Sinéad Rodger, a singular score of songs and motifs that haunt the edges and skies of this work. Joyous dance and recorded voices of the actors themselves (their stage selves echoing on occasion) underscore optimism, envisioning a utopia where women will legally marry."
Fringe Review on The Swell
https://fringereview.co.uk/review/fringereview-uk/2023/the-swell/
“Lighting and sound [are] extraordinarily well integrated […] to an extent not always apparent in many productions. Chang, in particular, works wonders with an eerie and evocative soundscape some of which is hauntingly contributed to by the cast.”
2ndfrombottom on The Swell
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2023/07/22/the-swell-theatre-review/
"Scenes chop in and out of the past and the present with Nicola T Chang’s specially composed music in between."
TheatreVibe on The Swell
https://theatrevibe.co.uk/2023/07/02/review-the-swell-orange-tree-2023/
"The scene transitions are like music: clanking, dehumanising, galvanising, but music nonetheless: it’s exciting but vaguely terrifying."
★★★★★ AJHlovestheatre on Skeleton Crew
https://ajhlovestheatre.org/2024/07/08/skeleton-crew-%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f%e2%ad%90%ef%b8%8f-a-modern-american-masterpiece-crashes-into-the-donmar-now-lets-see-the-rest-of-th/
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design and Ciarán Cunningham’s lighting interlock seamlessly, with thumping industrial rhythms of pounding machinery synced to pulsing light and plunging, sudden moments of darkness. Orange warning lights pulse as tensions between the employees rise, while the shadows of whirring fans and slamming presses rush across the walls."
★★★★ The Stage on Skeleton Crew
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/skeleton-crew-review-at-the-donmar-warehouse-london-by-dominique-morisseau-and-matthew-xia
"Nicola T Chang’s carefully crafted sound design gives each character a soundtrack, quietly signalling whose story will be the focus of each scene. From Aretha to J Dilla, to the sound of the fridge whirring, this attention to detail makes the world, and the characters, feel more vibrant."
★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on Skeleton Crew
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2024/07/skeleton-crew/
"Nicola T. Chang provides hip-hop influenced beats which blend with the machinery, bringing to life Shanita’s insistence that the sounds of the factory are a form of music, and expressing the J Dilla influence explicit in the play’s text. Chang’s sound design also impressively shifts the placement of sound on some occasions, as a song played out-loud through the auditorium seems at once to be coming only from the small portable stereo in the front corner, particularly effective when a suspiciously-early Faye has a joyous time preparing for her day to the sounds of “I Say a Little Prayer."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on Skeleton Crew
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-skeleton-crew-donmar-warehouse
"Yet a more striking play stirs underneath, heard in the soundscape specified by Morisseau and realised by Nicola T Chang. A roll of industrial boomings, crashes, humming wires control the environment, enter the bloodstream. In a fine moment the pregnant woman listens, hand on stomach, to the quietness away from the factory floor. The sound of a fridge is like birdsong."
The Guardian on Skeleton Crew
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/article/2024/jul/14/slave-play-jeremy-o-harris-noel-coward-west-end-transfer-review-skeleton-crew-dominique-morisseau-donmar-warehouse-alma-mater-kendall-feaver-almeida-justine-mitchell
"Other stars of the show [include] sound by Nicola T. Chang. Sound by Chang is so subtle that you can tell that the noise in between scenes is pressing of metal rather than general fabrication. Chang is also a composer and has subtly introduced the sounds of riveting into the music."
Plays International and Europe on Skeleton Crew
https://playsinternational.org.uk/skeleton-crew-donmar-warehouse/
"Combined with Nicola T Chang’s evocative score, Director Max Webster and his creative team adeptly transform the source material for the stage and convey a vision of the not-too-distant future.'
★★★★★ Theatre&Tonic on Minority Report
https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/minority-report-uk-tour-review
"Nicola T. Chang’s score is excellent at defining the more dramatic moments of action."
West End Best Friend on Minority Report
https://www.westendbestfriend.co.uk/news/review-minority-report-lyric-hammersmith-theatre
"Nicola T Chang’s score and songs (worked up with Rabey) are excellent – a thrusting melange of grime, rap, pop and theatrical underscore. The melodies and performances are moving, with Hayes’s folksy lilt providing gorgeous counterpoint to the punchy rap that drives the production forward."
★★★★ The Stage on Feral Monster
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/feral-monster-review-at-sherman-theatre-cardiff-by-izzy-rabey
"The other main star is the music. With clear influences from drum‘n’bass, hip-hop, r’n’b, garage and rock, it’s a lively, modern and eclectic mix."
★★★★ Buzz Mag on Feral Monster
https://www.buzzmag.co.uk/feral-monster-national-theatre-wales-cardiff-stage-review/
"A musical with a rich soundtrack full of grime, R&B, pop and drum and bass influences composed by Nicola T. Chang, the show also delivers several enjoyable boppy numbers."
★★★★ Institute of Welsh Affairs on Feral Monster
https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2024/03/review-feral-monster-national-theatre-wales-%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85/
"A soundtrack that brilliantly weaves Bethan Marlow’s lyrics with Nicola T Chang’s grime, R&B, soul, pop and rap earworm mashups."
Entertainment South Wales on Feral Monster
https://entertainmentsouthwales.com/2024/02/21/review-feral-monster-sherman-theatre-cardiff/
"The music is an instantly engaging mixture of genres, soul, pop, grime, R&B, soul, and lots of rap, composed by Nicola T. Chang"
Arts Scene in Wales on Feral Monster
https://www.asiw.co.uk/reviews/feral-monster-national-theatre-wales-sherman-cardiff
"Nicola T Chang’s driving score evokes the 1980s setting while adding to the play’s unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere with heavily distorted samples from synth-pop hits throbbing through the scene changes."
★★★★ The Stage on Top Girls
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/top-girls-review-caryl-churchill-everyman-playhouse-liverpool
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design and composition is shockingly haunting, enhancing the most intense moments, and underscoring the more conversational scenes flawlessly."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on Reverberation
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-reverberation-bristol-old-vic
"Nicola T. Chang’s subtle yet evocative sound design resonates deeply with the narrative, crafting a soundscape of reverberations that heighten the play’s quieter moments."
★★★★ Stagetalk Magazine on Reverberation
https://stagetalkmagazine.com/p/34334
"The inclusion of epic music and immersive sound-effects, as well as aural storytelling elements, means that the story is perfectly conveyed audibly, enhancing the overall show."
★★★★★ West End Best Friend on Macbeth
"Nicola T. Chang’s eerie soundscapes and dramatic music contributes to the dark, isolated and supernatural atmosphere."
★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions on Macbeth
https://fairypoweredproductions.com/macbeth-review-18/
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design is particularly notable in the opening moments, underscoring a war zone with a blend of pounding contemporary and Elizabethan music."
Always Time for Theatre on Macbeth
https://alwaystimefortheatre.com/2022/03/06/review-macbeth-leeds-playhouse/
"From the opening pre-show soundscape and first glimpse of the striking open set on the large Quarry stage, there’s a powerful sense of grandeur and spectacle, with Nicola T Chang’s filmic electronica sound design underscoring the action energetically."
British Theatre Guide on Macbeth
https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/macbeth-the-quarry-lee-20716
"The constant atmospheric music (by Nicola T. Chang) provided consistent tension throughout most of the play, added depth and conflict to the monologues especially, whilst also helping to bring extra power to the dramatic fight scenes."
Leeds Living on Macbeth
https://leedsliving.co.uk/art-culture/macbeth-a-modern-production-of-a-classic-tale-two-hours-of-pure-entertainment
"A balladeer replete with rock guitar lends narration and evocatively produces the sound of a rampaging elephant, dark blues chords and a menacing rhythmic accompaniment. The soundtrack and Nicola T Chang’s score work exceptionally well."
★★★★★ Theatre&Tonic on The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man
https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/review-the-real-amp-imagined-history-of-the-elephant-man-nottingham-playhouse
"The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man is one of the best, perhaps the best, staging of any play I have seen in 2023... The half-dozen strong cast is excellent in every possible respect, as indeed is Nicola T. Chang’s sensitive, well-conceived musical score"
★★★★★ Behind the Arras on The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man
“Director Stephen Bailey has assembled a brilliant team to realise a stylish, atmospheric and fully accessible production. Nicola T Chang’s moody rock score […] amps up the drama.”
The Stage on The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-real-and-imagined-history-of-the-elephant-man-review-at-nottingham-playhouse
"The doom laden score was like a creeping menace slithering around the foot of your seats. It almost reminded me of sections from the score of "Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds" where you can actually feel unease through the music."
Kev Castle Theatre Reviews on The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man
https://kevcastletheatrereviews.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-real-and-imagined-history-of.html
"The soundscape (by Jamie Ye and Nicola T. Chang, designer and composer respectively) is an integral part of the show."
★★★★★ Broadway World on A Playlist for the Revolution
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Review-A-PLAYLIST-FOR-THE-REVOLUTION-Bush-Theatre-20230630
"The stirring use of original compositions by Nicola T. Chang to create the real highs and lows of a life protesting for what you believe in."
★★★★★ All That Dazzles on A Playlist for the Revolution
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-a-playlist-for-the-revolution-bush-theatre
A special mention has to go to the flawless sound design from Nicola T. Chang and Mark Cornwell, ensuring everything was delivered and heard as planned.
All That Dazzles on Derren Brown's Unbelievable
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-derren-brown-s-unbelievable-criterion-theatre
"Lighting and sound design by Natasha Chivers and Nicola Chang [...] play a huge role in creating the almost sterile nature of this "fun-loving" office."
★★★★★ Within Her Words on White Pearl
https://www.withinherwords.co.uk/home/white-pearl-by-anchuli-felicia-king
"Nicola Chang’s electropop interludes match the too-bright office beat for beat."
Exeunt Magazine on White Pearl
http://exeuntmagazine.com/reviews/review-white-pearl-royal-court-theatre/
"The technical team also satisfies the strictest spectators when it comes to lightning, music, costumes, stage management…. helping to build up the urgency of the story."
Alt A Review on White Pearl
https://alt-africa.com/2019/05/20/review-white-pearl-at-royal-court-theatre/
"Nicola Chang’s sound design is reminiscent of the works of Edgar Wright, including one specific Scott Pilgrim-esque moment. It’s startling just how assured it is – unforgivingly funny, rapidly paced and minutely observed."
★★★★ The Upcoming on Little Baby Jesus
https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2019/10/23/little-baby-jesus-at-orange-tree-theatre-theatre-review/
"Nicola Chang's sound design [...] compliments the ebb and flow of the production, with an inventive soundtrack of loud music and subtle sound effects."
★★★★ Broadway World on Little Baby Jesus
“Nicola Chang’s choice sound effects are a delight – little pings, zings, and boings, all bouncing off various actions like comic book onomatopoeia. It’s all gorgeously playful, refreshingly ready to entertain.”
Exeunt Magazine on Little Baby Jesus
https://exeuntmagazine.com/reviews/review-little-baby-jesus-orange-tree-theatre/
"(The) impactful sound world created by Nicola T Chang makes us feel that we too drown alongside Jamie, and gasp as she resurfaces for air... How I Learned to Swim is one-person theatre at its greatest. You too will be breathless right until the end."
★★★★★ TheatreWeekly on How I Learned to Swim
https://theatreweekly.com/edinburgh-review-how-i-learned-to-swim-at-roundabout-summerhall/
"The scenes are punctuated by a fantastic soundscape (designed by Nicola T. Chang) of aquatic sounds, with drips and rushing waves propelling the story along."
★★★★★ Broadway World on How I Learned to Swim
"The sound design by Nicola T. Chang smoothly transitions from one location to another with effortlessly realistic sound bites of water, sloshing and being dived into."
★★★★★ A Youngish Perspective on How I Learned to Swim
https://ayoungishperspective.co.uk/2024/08/18/review-how-i-learned-to-swim/
"Nicola T. Chang’s sound design and composition work was nothing less than exceptional. From the second the play started, Chang’s soundtrack subtly ran underneath, perfectly scoring each moment and hitting every single line to the millisecond. It is so refreshing to hear sound design that doesn’t just set a scene and then back away, it lingers and elevates the entire piece to a whole new level. I kindly request that the creative team release the sound design as an album so I can listen to it on the tube."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on How I Learned to Swim
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-how-i-learned-to-swim-brixton-house
"Ali Hunter’s watery blue lighting and Nicola T Chang’s echoing sound design, full of drips and splashes, cleverly convey the feeling of being poolside – or by the ocean, which is where Jamie goes to make her first attempt at swimming alone."
★★★★ WhatsOnStage on How I Learned to Swim
https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/how-i-learned-to-swim-at-summerhall-edinburgh-fringe-review_1624569/
"The blending of the text with Nicola T Chang’s sublime soundscape is a joy, underscoring the story telling beautifully."
FringeReview on How I Learned to Swim
https://fringereview.co.uk/review/edinburgh-fringe/2024/how-i-learned-to-swim-2/
"Nicola T Chang’s immersive aquatic soundscape is integral to the piece, creating vivid imagery of Jamie’s dipping and diving into the water."
The Skinny on How I Learned to Swim
https://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/edinburgh-fringe/theatre/how-i-learned-to-swim-summerhall
"The scenes are punctuated with imaginatively tingling sounds of waves, drips and water. Our suspension of disbelief Is complete in that we often believe Jamie is actually floating in water whether it is in the pool or at the beach."
TheatreTravels on How I Learned to Swim
https://www.theatretravels.org/post/review-how-i-learned-to-swim-at-roundabout-at-summerhall-edinburgh-festival-fringe
"Sound designer Nicola T Chang provides a lively score of jazz sax and bright piano to accompany the spoken text, which surges into full-on dance breaks between scenes."
★★★★ The Stage on Communion
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/communion-review-at-bush-theatre-london-young-company-18-25
"It is a story told in episodes - of families, friends, lovers, and underscored by cracking sound design and composition by Nicola T. Chang"
★★★★ All That Dazzles on Communion
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-communion-bush-theatre
"It’s Nicola T. Chang’s soundscape that steals the scene. It lifts the narration, complementing it with ambient effects and music to move the action across different locations. It’s a touching, stirring production."
★★★★ Broadway World UK on Algorithms
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Review-ALGORITHMS-Park-Theatre-20240420
"Nicola T. Chang’s sound design and composition masterfully handles apps, scary owls (or men pretending to be owls?), offices, clubs and parties."
★★★★ Salterton Arts Review on Algorithms
https://saltertonartsreview.com/2024/04/algorithms-park-theatre-london/
"Apt music and sound by Nicola T Chang."
★★★★ LondonTheatre1 on Algorithms
https://www.londontheatre1.com/reviews/algorithms-by-sadie-clark-at-park-theatre-review/
"A simple but effective soundscape (Nicola T Chang) successfully elevates the humour within Clark’s script."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on Algorithms
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-algorithms-park-theatre
"Nicola T. Chang’s score of sound effects, songs, and light background music illuminates Brooke’s psyche."
★★★★ Always Time for Theatre on Algorithms
https://alwaystimefortheatre.com/2024/04/21/review-algorithms-at-park-theatre/
"Nicola Chang’s sound design [is] subtle and sophisticated"
ThisWeek Culture on Algorithms
https://threeweeksedinburgh.com/article/algorithms-sadie-clark-laura-elmes-productions/
"Nicola T Chang’s sound-synching is outstanding and is in effect the design."
Fringe Review on Algorithms
http://fringereview.co.uk/review/fringereview-uk/2024/algorithms/
"The music by Nicola T. Chang and David Shrubsole was beautiful. It helped breathe life into the story and gave us moments of to sit and feel and ultimately be transported"
Theatre and Tonic on The Ballad of Hattie and James
https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/the-ballad-of-hattie-and-james-kiln-theatre-review
"The score, composed by Nicola T Chang and music director David Shrubsole, is suitably lyrical. It’s rich and romantic, full of flurries and trills set over deep, yearning chords."
The Stage on the Ballad of Hattie and James
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-ballad-of-hattie-and-james-review-at-kiln-english-touring-theatre-by-samuel-adamson-directed-by-richard-twyman-with-charles-edwards
"Cleverly-worked, grating jazz-based sound design from Nicola Chang."
★★★★★ ActDrop on Finishing the Picture
https://actdrop.uk/reviews/review_listing?id=6430
"The ultimate elevation of the show comes in the shape of sound designer Nicola Chang, who sets the second act to a jazz tune."
★★★★ Broadway World on Finishing the Picture
"... the almost visionary second half comprises a series of duets for voice and jazz combo. The sax in sound designer Nicola Chang’s unsettling jazz track rises to hysterical crescendos, conjuring Kitty fighting her corner."
★★★★ The Jewish Renaissance on Finishing the Picture
http://www.jewishrenaissance.org.uk/blog/reviews-theatre-finishing-the-picture
"...the second act propels Finishing the Picture into another league. Essentially a series of monologues with each character attempting to converse with Kitty, a pulsating cymbal jazz beat from sound designer Nicola Chang brings with it a sense of urgency, the occasional trumpet howl substituting for cries of despair from the unseen Kitty."
★★★★ The Reviews Hub on Finishing the Picture
https://www.thereviewshub.com/finishing-the-picture-finborough-theatre-london/
"Her responses are conveyed through the anarchic riffs of an expressive sax behind which a hectic snare skits to hepped-up time. Its effect is unsettling and submerges the audience in the frantic rhythms of Kitty’s own mental whir – something words alone can’t quite convey."
★★★★ The Arts Desk on Finishing the Picture
"Sound (is) used exceptionally well during the second act. Throughout the delivery of the monologues, a high tempo, almost manic, jazz piece plays, conveying a sense of urgency."
★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on Finishing the Picture
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2018/06/finishing-the-picture-finborough-theatre/
"A skilful use of music and sound."
★★★★ The Express on Finishing the Picture
"(The) production becomes more interesting in the second act, in which the red walls take on the mood of a madhouse and Nicola Chang’s discordant sound design speaks on Kitty’s behalf in response to her colleagues’ attempts to reason with her."
The Stage on Finishing the Picture
"Sound designer Nicola T Chang creates an absorbing soundscape of pouring rain, muttering voices and cawing crows."
The Stage on The Garden of Words
"The sound design from Nicola T. Chang [soothes] the soul, its ethereal soundscape otherworldly, retaining the play's cinematic sense of possibility."
Henry Longstaff/Longstaff Reviews on The Garden of Words
https://www.longstaffreviews.co.uk/the-garden-of-words-park-theatre
"The sound design, by Nicola T. Chang, [is] gorgeous."
Lost in Theatre Land on The Garden of Words
https://lostintheatreland.co.uk/the-garden-of-words-review-edinburgh-fringe/
"Further bolstered by [...] the aural panorama of Nicola T Chang’s sound design [...] Tokyo itself becomes the show’s most fully realised character, reproduced on stage like a heightened memory."
Time Out London on The Garden of Words
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-garden-of-words-review
"Nicola T. Chang’s sound design [creates] an otherness that sends us to another place without losing its connection with the real world."
Broadway World on The Garden of Words
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Review-THE-GARDEN-OF-WORDS-Park-Theatre-20230816
"Nicola T Chang’s [subtly expressive] sound design [gives] a real sense of a teeming metropolis tempest-tossed with potential loss."
London Theatre on The Garden of Words
https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/the-garden-of-words-review-park-theatre
"Sound design from Nicola T. Chang [creates] a production that feels atmospheric and almost immersive in quality, thanks to its intimate nature."
All That Dazzles on The Garden of Words
https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-the-garden-of-words-park-theatre
"The idea of a rain-soaked Japanese garden was executed superbly... [with] the sound design by Nicola T. Chang, one really felt transported in those certain garden scenes."
A Youngish Perspective on The Garden of Words
https://ayoungishperspective.co.uk/2023/08/17/review-the-garden-of-words/
"Nicola Chang's Sound Design crossed with Sundeep Saini's Choreography, was an absolute mastermind spectacular..."
★★★★★ Creative Reviews UK on Squad Goals
https://creativereviewsuk.blogspot.com/2020/09/thestre-review-squad-goals.html?m=1
"The technical aspects of the play are spot on, too. The lighting, sound and set are so cleverly pieced together to string separate snippets of a family’s life that the general public are rarely exposed to."
★★★★★ The Feminist Fringe on Dangerous Giant Animals
https://feministfringereviews.wordpress.com/2018/08/22/review-dangerous-giant-animals-amy-king/
“The performance is creatively, musically and soundly immersive.”
★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions on NEST (Leeds 2023)
https://fairypoweredproductions.com/nest-review/
"[...] accompanied by music composed by Nicola T. Chang, it really is a visually stunning show."
★★★★ The Reviews Hub on NEST (Leeds 2023)
https://www.thereviewshub.com/nest-rspb-st-aidans-nature-reserve-leeds/
“The soundscape contributed efficiently to the atmosphere of anxiety [...] the show was aiming for. Mostly consisting of disjointed noise and recycled train announcements it was a small but hugely beneficial addition. The sound design in many ways leads to the gradual unravelling of the story, providing insight into the story’s geography as well as the state of Harper’s character’s mind.”
★★★★★ London Student on Rattled
"Sound design from Nicola Chang ebbs and flows with the story..."
★★★★★ London Pub Theatres on Rattled
http://www.londonpubtheatres.com/rattled-review/4594548124
"The two actors work well to maintain the sinister atmosphere, helped by the foreboding sound design."
★★★★ ½ The Reviews Hub on Kompromat
https://www.thereviewshub.com/kompromat-the-vaults-london/
"Nicola Chang (Composer and Sound Designer) has a strong influence on proceedings, helping a stage with essentially no set or props to feel full and greatly atmospheric at the appropriate times. The music works well to give the feel of the change in setting and character for each actress."
Mark Aspen on 10
https://markaspen.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/10/
“Nastazja Somers’ production is high on atmosphere, Nicola Chang’s almost hypnotic sound design moulding the mood.”
★★★★ There Ought to be Clowns on 10
https://www.oughttobeclowns.com/2019/03/review-10-vault-festival.html/
"Director Nastazja Somers has created a strong framework on which to base the strands of the women’s stories and the music, sound and lighting, by Nicola Chang and Rajiv Pattani, support and complement the action beautifully."
★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on 10
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2019/03/10/
"[...] moving acoustic score by Nicola Chang compliments the emotional weight of the short perfectly."
★★★★ UK Film Review on Mei
https://www.ukfilmreview.co.uk/post/mei-2022-short-film-review
"Nicola Chang's original music is simply extraordinary, a quiet companion to an intimate story and one that surrounds us as we travel along Mei's journey. It's the kind of score that makes you anxious to hear other work by Chang."
The Independent Critic on Mei
https://theindependentcritic.com/mei
"Beautifully directed by Bethany Pitts, the exuberant tennis match conversations are balanced against beats of silence and lively music by Nicola T Chang."
★★★★ The Guardian on Juniper and Jules
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/may/09/juniper-and-jules-review-this-funny-and-sweet-romance-is-a-must-see
"Sound by Nicola T Chang is key in giving the pace a [...] kick at times."
Broadway World on Juniper and Jules
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-JUNIPER-AND-JULES-at-Soho-Theatre-20220506
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design spins the songs... into more richly textured versions for the transitions."
The Stage on Ministry of Lesbian Affairs
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-ministry-of-lesbian-affairs-soho-theatre-london-iman-qureshi-review
"Nicola Chang’s sound design works well to immerse the audience within the lives of the characters, a mix of club and grime songs dominating some scenes and gently underscoring others."
★★★★★ Within Her Words on If This is Normal
"Loud conversation is accompanied by competingly loud sounds and music..., [which] capture the mood of different scenes remarkably well and is incredibly evocative."
★★★★ The Spy in the Stalls on If This is Normal
https://thespyinthestalls.com/2020/02/if-this-is-normal/
"It’s a great experience, wonderfully enhanced by the evocative soundscapes of Nicola T. Chang who seems to be the “go to” person forthis type of thing."
2ndfrombottom on Attack of the Wolfdogs
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2021/12/09/attack-of-the-wolfdogs-online-review/
“Nicola Chang’s evocative soundscapes are a major success point in all three pieces; they help the listener’s imagination to take flight and demonstrate the power of aural memories.”
★★★★ 2ndfromBottom on Digital Caravan Theatre Series
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/digital-caravan-theatre-series-2-online-review/
"An undoubted success, though, is the always creative sound design of Nicola Chang who often makes these pieces sing."
2ndfromBottom on Digital Caravan Theatre - Our Voices Series
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2023/01/20/our-voices-review/
"Nicola Chang [contributes] her usual clever soundscape for the company which really enhances the experience."
2ndfromBottom on The Emperor’s New Clothes
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2020/12/15/a-christmas-carol-the-emperors-new-clothes-online-review/
"The sound design by Nicola Chang is highly evocative through all three pieces."
2ndfromBottom on Digital Caravan Theatre Series 1
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2020/08/21/digital-caravan-theatre-online-review/
"All three episodes are worth attention and have cleverly used a new format to engage the listener fuelled by the impeccable sound design of Nicola Chang."
2ndfromBottom on Fully Amplified Podcast Series
https://2ndfrombottom.wordpress.com/2021/10/05/fully-amplified-1-online-review/
"There's a first-rate soundscape from designer Nicola Chang that appropriately underscores the piece, progressing from an almost imperceptible hum that builds in line with Ashley's anxiety and Ollie's excitement and, later, anger."
★★★★ ActDrop on Germ Free Adolescent
https://actdrop.uk/reviews/review_listing?id=8767
“Nicola Chang's sound design offers a pulsating background drone that works well in drawing us into the world of teenage angst that Mitchell has established.”
Broadway World on Germ Free Adolescent
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-GERM-FREE-ADOLESCENT-The-Bunker-20191103
"There is a beautiful uniqueness to Tuyen Do’s play. It is full of Vietnamese expressions and culture (...) elevated by the stunning set by Moi Tran and sound by Nicola Chang."
★★★★ The Upcoming on Summer Rolls
https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2019/06/25/summer-rolls-at-park-theatre-theatre-review/
"Nicola Chang’s sound design captures both cultures in her evocative score."
The Gizzle Review on Summer Rolls
http://www.thegizzlereview.com/2019/06/summer-rolls-park-theatre.html
"Nicola Chang’s sound design is fluid, unifying and atmospheric, conveying both the mood of Vietnamese culture and the tension of the scenes."
A Younger Theatre on Summer Rolls
https://www.ayoungertheatre.com/review-summer-rolls-bristol-old-vic/
"Sound designer Nicola Chang creates a telling mix of Vietnamese pop and evocative instrumentation."
The Arts Desk on Summer Rolls
https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/summer-rolls-park-theatre-review-racism-laid-bare-mixed-results
"Nicola Chang amps up the underlying anxiety with an assertive sound design that accompanies the couple through all the signs of toxic co-dependency and emotional abuse."
★★★★ Broadway World on Starved
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-STARVED-The-Hope-Theatre-20190719
“The space is dingy and claustrophobic. Nicola Chang provides a dull, ominous underscore that plays throughout, adding to the anxiety.”
★★★★ The Crumb on Starved
https://www.the-crumb.com/post/review-starved-the-hope-theatre
"Strong movement direction (...) underscored by Nicola Chang’s resonant slow-tempo sound design, beautifully illustrate(s) the passage of time"
The Stage on Starved
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2019/starved-review-hope-theatre/
"The acting space (is) made vibrant by Nicola Chang’s pounding score."
★★★★ Musical Theatre Review on No Man's Land
"Stupendous sound design from Nicola Chang evoke(s) a world changing out of all recognition."
★★★★ The Wee Review on Nine Foot Nine
https://theweereview.com/review/nine-foot-nine/
“Nicola Chang’s brilliant sound design effectively [...] conveys magnitude [...] providing context to global events happening outside the play’s narrative, which is focused on a singular family.”
The Play's the Thing on Nine Foot Nine
https://theplaysthething.co.uk/2019/07/03/nine-foot-nine-home-manchester-theatre/
"The... impressive lighting and sound (from Ben Jacobs and Nicola Chang respectively) transforms an essentially empty stage into something incredibly atmospheric and menacing."
★★★★ Stage Review on Lord of the Flies
http://www.stagereview.co.uk/theatre-review/lord-of-the-flies-review-2/
"This stage adaptation of Lord of the Flies is made emotional and thought-provoking by the unified strength of the performances, music, lighting and choreography."
★★★★ Everything Theatre on Lord of the Flies
http://everything-theatre.co.uk/2018/03/lord-of-the-flies-greenwich-theatre-review.html
"Mention must also be given to Nicola Chang’s smart, appropriate and seriously atmospheric sound design."
★★★★ The Review Chap on An Enemy of the People
“Nicola Chang (provides) the scarily authentic soundtrack of angry townsfolk at that public meeting.”
★★★★ The Jewish Renaissance on An Enemy of the People
https://www.jewishrenaissance.org.uk/blog/an-enemy-of-the-people
“Nicola T Chang’s sound design is […] stunning and perfectly executed, timed perfectly to make slick transitions. There is a consistent style of music and sound throughout and locations of clubs and cafés are suggested purely through its use.”
★★★★ A Younger Theatre on Andromeda
https://www.ayoungertheatre.com/review-andromeda-camden-peoples-theatre/
"With a brilliant underscore permeating every moment of the show and well-timed moments of both beauty and horror, this show is far from poisoned; its salubrious."
★★★★ Pocket Size Theatre on Poisoned Polluted
http://www.pocketsizetheatre.com/2019/11/review-poisoned-polluted-at-old-red-lion.html?m=1
"Sound (Nicola Chang) was very well designed and congruous with the performance. On the whole, theatrical components were more than satisfactory."
Theatre Reviewer Blog on Poisoned Polluted
"Composer and celebrated sound designer Nicola T Chang ensures the sound really is seamless as well as boppy, proportioned to the space.”
FringeReview on 30 and Out
http://fringereview.co.uk/review/brighton-fringe/2023/30-and-out/
"As usual the sound design by Nicola Chang is exceptional. At first you don’t notice how she regulates the intensity of street noise outside the hotel window to help ratchet up the tension but, half way through, her chillingly ominous door locking sound is the first indication we get that this isn’t just two guys chatting about writer’s block and nice clothes."
London Box Office on For Reasons that Remain Unclear
https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/news/post/review-for-reasons-that-remain-unclear
“Nicola Chang’s sound design is piercing and unforgiving. Combined with Will Monks’ sharp projections on a pane of glass, they create a
sense of a society at breaking point."
The Stage on The Glass Will Shatter
"Nicola T Chang’s sound design, a low mechanical hum interrupted by persistent percussive beats, adds tension in just the right places."
The Reviews Hub on Worth
https://www.thereviewshub.com/worth-arcola-theatre-london/
"The siblings’ emotionally violent underpinnings are more effectively underlined by brief moments in which the sound rises and distorts."
The Times on Worth
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/worth-review-a-dark-family-comedy-turns-toxic-3sz0qxhtw
"Nicola Chang’s sound design had me on edge in places, really reinforcing the experience we are seeing on stage"
View from the Outside on The Glass Will Shatter
https://viewfromtheoutside.blog/2020/01/29/the-glass-will-shatter-at-the-omnibus-theatre/
“A singular drum and a piercing train whistle [reach] crescendo during the play's emotional climaxes… Nicola Chang's deft sound design has much to offer.”
WhatsOnStage on The King of Hell’s Palace
https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/hells-palace-hampstead-cowhig_49886.html
"The intensity of Felicity’s panic attacks is infectiously communicated through Nicola Chang’s sound design, an unsettling soundscape of buzzing, clicking, whispering and ring tones."
BritishTheatre.com on Lost in Thought
https://britishtheatre.com/review-lost-in-thought-edinburgh-fringe/
"Augmented by […] Nicola T Chang’s sound, the show becomes a disorienting echo of the post-traumatic stress disorder Beecher had to deal with."
The Stage on Summer Camp for Broken People
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/summer-camp-for-broken-people-review-summerhall-emily-beecher
"The fusion of American and Indian cultures [...] seeps through Nicola Chang’s sound design"
Miro Magazine on There or Here
http://www.miromagazine.com/theatre/review-park-theatre-nayak/
On performance
"Chang even [took] to the stage for a dazzling display of percussive pyrotechnics."
★★★★★ Musical Theatre Review on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"The involvement of the band, especially Nicola T. Chang. adds real energy and joy when joining the cast onstage, enhancing the show’s overall fun and upbeat atmosphere."
★★★★ West End Best Friend on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"When Assistant Musical Director and percussionist Nicola T. Chang took centre stage in ‘World of Colour." [...] it was an inspiring moment of appreciation for the whole band."
★★★★ Theatre&Tonic on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"All three play with the passion these stories deserve, and Chang, whose work is seen elsewhere as sound designer for the Donmar’s Skeleton Crew, even gets a delightful moment joining the cast on stage for some inventive percussion."
★★★★ All That Dazzles on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"Having one of the musicians (Nicola T. Chang) joining on stage to lead the actors in a percussive performance is a nice touch, fuelling the excitement and introduce something a little different to what has happened so far in the show."
★★★★ Operation Live Theatre on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
https://www.operationlivetheatre.com/post/fantastically-great-women-who-changed-the-world
"One memorable sequence sees the cast form a drumming ensemble, featuring energetic fills from band member Nicola T Chang."
The Stage on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"We enjoyed Chang’s scene-stealing moment as she took centre stage for a very Stomp-inspired let there be drums moment."
Monstagigz on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
"Wonderfully vibrant percussionist Nicola T. Chang drum[s] on just about everything that they can find. The number is positively Stomp-esque which is no wonder given Chang’s pedigree in that particular show, her enthusiasm is infectious."
Dress Circle Antics on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
“There is a show-stopping number [...] which tears up the boards and features a barnstorming drum-break, led by Nicola T. Chang.”
Quays Life on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
https://quayslife.com/reviews/fantastically-great-women-who-changed-the-world-review-2/