They say start a show with a bang, well this one certainly does. You are bombarded with a barrage of gunshots, firing and erratic lightening, certainly grabs your attention; in short it begins with the end, their death.
The story then unfolds introducing all the main characters: Bonnie (Katie Tonkinson), her mother Emma (Jasmine Beel), Clyde (Alex James-Hatton), his brother Buck (Sam Ferriday), his wife Blanche (Oonagh Cox making her stage debut as Catherine Tyldesley was unable to play this night), Ted (Daniel Reid-Walters) and the preacher (Jaz Ellington). Apologies to the other nine members of cast for not naming them as they were all excellent.
The best of this show are the stars, a completely captivating cast of charismatic characters and with excellent singing voices. The musical director, Issie Osborne, and assistant, Dominic Bull, along with five other musicians do a fantastic job in the band. It is also good to hear an American accent that is clearly understood.
A story of love, crime, adventure and sadness, which captured a nation’s imagination, hard to fail. While Bonnie and Clyde were criminals, their portrayals made one feel compassion for them. The costumes (Roberta Mckeown) add to a real sense of period, with nice touches like a replica of the actual dress Bonnie is shown to have worn.
It is thought they suffered from a condition that gave a desire for criminal acts. The condition is called Bonnie and Clyde syndrome, a paraphilia that creates sexual arousal when with a criminal partner.
The ethereal set is greatly enhanced by some excellent video work (Abigayle Holt) on the rear screen. After the initial scene, there is a battery of rapid scene changes which assault the senses. While it is understandable as the locations constantly changed, it is harder to hold concentration or maintain any flow, often less is more.
There is nothing stranger than fact, and this is as you know a true story. Bonnie, born in 1910, was just a year younger than Clyde, born in 1909, whose birthdate is 24 March. They met in 1930, and two years later went on the road leading a life of crime, robberies and killings. They were joined by his brother Buck and his wife Blanche. After an ambush, six lawmen shot 167 rounds into their car; the car can be still be seen in Nevada.
The story was first made into a film in 1967, winning two Academy Awards, and this show won Best New Musical in 2023 in the What's On Stage Awards. This is the first UK and Ireland tour, with the first musical adaption in San Diego in 2009. Bonnie was a ‘bit' of a poet, so the following is a mini tribute to her memory, as she always wanted to be famous!.
For those who like love, adventure and thrills,
The show Bonnie and Clyde fits the bill.
Live music, songs and a fantastic cast,
It holds your attention until the last.
One way to check this out, go and see the musical.