How The Hell Did I Get Here? at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"..."Downton" fans, for sure, will have a lovely time. But Nicol's show will also resonate with young stage performers, or anyone in what is known as "the business," being as it is a story of resilience and perseverance in an industry not known for its decent treatment of women. Here you have a short-of-stature woman over 60 proudly starring in her own show, but also striving to make this not just a story of her own achievement but a piece resonant to others. I sniffled my way through a good portion of it, although you'll perhaps have to take that with a pinch of salt, given my personal connection to the era and the material."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...For "Downton Abbey" fans, the show is a must-see. But even for those who don't know Lady Mary from Lady Godiva, "How the Hell Did I Get Here?" is an engaging look at the life of an artist."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...She and coauthor-composer Mark Mueller wisely break up the string of anecdotes with original music which, like her singing voice, is pleasant if unmemorable. And the actress is so appealing as she performs the pratfalls she claims dominated her early career that you root for her to succeed, all the while knowing she will do just that."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...How the Hell Did I Get Here? is a charming autobiographical musical starring Lesley Nicol, a British actress whose most famous part here in America, at least, was that of Mrs. Padmore in Downton Abbey. Nicol uses a light-hearted approach to sharing her life story using songs, pictures and anecdotes. How the Hell Did I Get Here? isn’t ‘rocket science’ as far as musicals go, but it was definitely entertaining."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This compact little show, written and presented by Lesley Nicol and Mark Mueller, and directed by Luke Kernaghan, is refreshingly heartfelt, humorous and cheerful. It paints a positive picture of a woman who, thanks to her wonderful parents, found her niche in the arts. Of course, every rabid fan of "Downton Abbey" will certainly want to meet and spend some quality time with this affable actress. In this affectionate self portrait, which is both and inspiration to the young, as well as the not-so-young, we come to love even more the warm and wonderful woman behind Mrs. Patmore...and so much more."

PicksInSix - Recommended

"...If you are a fan of "Downton Abbey" you probably are already planning to spend some time with this remarkably warm and lovely human being during the run of "How the Hell Did I Get Here" in Chicago. It will be time well spent and will leave you with an appreciation for how one person can make a difference in many people lives while fulfilling her own, always approaching the next chapter with a pleasant, positive, good-natured persona and a genuine thankfulness for what is to come."