Bonnie & Clyde has taken an interesting journey since its very short lived run on Broadway in 2010. With the cast recording finding enduring success and original Clyde Jeremy Jordan skyrocketing into musical theatre superstardom in the intervening years, the show eventually developed a devoted cult following.
After a concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane starring Jeremy Jordan and Heathers star Frances Mayli McCann in the titular roles, the show had its UK premiere at the Arts Theatre in 2022 with musical theatre darling Jordan Luke Gage now taking over as Clyde. Transferring to the Garrick Theatre a year later with several changes ranging from songs being cut/added to characters being rewritten (it is Frank Wildhorn musical), its ongoing success with young musical theatre fans has gained in the UK tour.
Having seen both the Arts Theatre and Garrick Theatre runs, will this tour make the world remember Bonnie & Clyde?
I was gifted a ticket in exchange for an honest review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bonnie & Clyde
Cast
- Bonnie Parker: Katie Tonkinson
- Clyde Barrow: Alex James-Hatton
- Buck Barrow: Sam Ferriday
- Blanche Barrow: Oonagh Cox (u/s)
- Ted Hinton: Daniel Reid Waters
- Preacher: AJ Fox
Rating: ★★★★
What’s Bonnie & Clyde about?
Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved adventure—and each other. Their names were Bonnie & Clyde. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, this award-winning production has garnered a mass following, much like the infamous pair themselves, and now they are set to take your city by storm. Discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
What are my thoughts on Bonnie & Clyde?
Most of the changes I feel have improved thanks to Nick Winston’s ability to blend the show’s comedy with the tragedy hidden underneath, but some issues I feel are inherent in the book. One ongoing issue I’ve had with Bonnie & Clyde is its romanticisation of two actual serial killers who committed so many crimes in spite of the very grisly end they faced. Although it’s difficult to justify their actions, you at least understand the reasons for their fictionalised counterparts as the show focuses on the hardships of the Great Depression and the heavily religious Texas they lived in. This is probably why they were seen as vigilantes by the public to the point of celebrity status.
One of the strongest aspects that has been consistent with Bonnie & Clyde is Frank Wildhorn’s eclectic score featuring rock, bluegrass, gospel and traditional theatre. While a hodgepodge of musical genres, they work very well together thanks to the setting and. With thrilling songs including When I Drive and utterly heartbreaking ballads like That’s What You Call A Dream, it’s easy to understand why these songs have become favourites among young musical theatre fans.
Among the recent shows I’ve seen touring across the UK, Bonnie & Clyde has to be the strongest in terms of its design. With very little changes made between this and the Garrick Theatre production, Nina Dunn’s projections are some of the best I’ve seen as they help add a sense of scope to Great Depression era America. Phillip Witcomb’s sets and costumes look era appropriate while capturing the grittiness of the Great Depression and are complemented by Zoe Spurr’s atmospheric lighting, both coming together creatively with bullets firing across the proscenium arch.
What’s the cast like?
Some fans may lament the absence of powerhouses Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCan, but Alex James-Hatton and Katie Tonkinson are equally as strong forces as Bonnie & Clyde in this tour. Delivering fiery chemistry, astronomical vocals (of course the standouts being Raise A Little Hell and Dyin’ Ain’t So bad), and both having hot-headed tempers with a sense of foolish petulance, they make it feel like they deserve each other and find their motivations easy to understand in spite of their questionable decisions.
Due to Catherine Tyldseley falling ill shortly before curtain up at press night, we had the phenomenal Oonagh Cox (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) filling in at the last minute as Blanche. While having her sassy and comical moments, what I love about her Blanche is she has a sense of naivety to her as falls back on her Christian faith to encourage Buck to do what she believes is right. Her That’s What You Call A Dream is so heartbreaking as she lets her vulnerability crack, but that’s nothing compared to her final scene in act two that left me getting teary.
Sam Ferriday delivers equal parts comedy and depth to Clyde’s brother Buck as he finds the thrill in returning to crime. AJ Fox also brings much-needed energy to the show as the Preacher in his two standout songs God’s Arms Are Always Open and Made In America. I must also extend my praise to the talented ensemble, with standouts including Jasmine Beel’s subtly heartbreaking performance as Bonnie’s mother and Lauren Jones (also alternate Bonnie) in a hilarious bit role as Trish.
What are my overall thoughts?
A hell-raiser of a show to see on tour, Bonnie & Clyde remains as heartfelt, sexy and dangerous as ever. With an amazing cast and featuring one of the best design transitions from West End to touring I’ve seen so far, I urge both the most casual and devoted fans to go and see it at your closest venue (and bring a friend or two).
Bonnie & Clyde runs at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until April 27th. Buy your tickets here.
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