7 April 2023 I 19:30 I Garrick Theatre, London
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bonnie & Clyde really is a masterpiece and beautiful representation of what modern musicals can do. This is my second visit to the Barrow gang, following a performance at the Arts Theatre in July '22. First seeing the show, I was absolutely amazed at the production, just how fearless and refined it was, paying brilliant homage to the recklessness of these small-town criminals. It would seem impossible, but returning to the Garrick, it only grows stronger, really out-doing itself with revised moments of staging. I am extremely lucky that I managed to get front row of the stalls for both of these runs, which really heightens the intensity of the show, dragged into this violent world.
This show is the first time I've seen Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage as the titular characters. I'd seen much praise about their dynamic together, and now I completely understand the reason why! The pair have an unbelievable chemistry and just really know how one another perform, bouncing off their individual energies. Jordan Luke Gage's role as Clyde Barrow is defined in such an unsettling way, as I am often amazed by his facial expression, very wicked eyes and smile. Truly encapsulating these mannerisms with perfection really makes you believe Clyde's crazed behaviour. Gage’s performance of Raise A Little Hell sent chills the first time, and absolutely delivered the same the second time around! Especially as he comes to the front of the stage, and surveys the audience with such devilish intention, this feeling is so intense. As an audience member, it is so gripping to be drawn into this, to be fearful of the consequences of Clyde's anger. Moving on to the insanely talented Frances Mayli McCann, presenting a naïve and out-of-her-depth Bonnie, a whirlwind romance swept up in the glamour of 1920s fame. McCann really impresses me with her take on Bonnie Parker, because she makes the role her own, and has a very demanding way of drawing attention to subtleties of doubt she faces across the plot. Often, we see her determination, but also a lovely vulnerability alongside Blanche, humanising the role beyond a criminal. Most of all in How 'Bout A Dance, I love hearing her adapt slight moments in the song and really placing emotion behind all of her lyrics, wonderfully enunciated and refined performance.
It is fascinating to see Buck and Blanche's romance with a new pair of actors filling the roles (for myself at least!). The first actress I saw as Blanche was Natalie McQueen, as a rather eccentric and incredibly humorous Blanche. Though much alike McCann’s Bonnie, Jodie Steele provides a really refreshing take on Blanche, a heightened sense of sincerity, venturing beyond the comedic façade to show she isn't as strong as she wants to be. Steele’s guttural scream is absolutely heart-wrenching, again presenting a very emotion-led Blanche which I really enjoy. Alexander Evans’ Preacher and the ensemble are absolutely brilliant, with such domineering force. The writing is very clever with the congregation, flipping the intention of the lyrics and meaning in Act 2, for more sinister tones during tensions of the economic Depression. Made In America is endlessly foreboding, with heels stamping in a very violent and threatening beat, and a shrill, rather haunting vocal crescendo that sounds so uncomfortable through harmonies.
There are most definitely changes from the show's original run at the Arts Theatre, where slight adaptations are really revitalising, just to breathe an extra bit of life into the production and keep the interest. The musical deserves a huge congratulations to Nick Winston's direction in creating such a refined show, and also commending Annie Guy's polished and stunning choreography, among all the other elements to the show. I absolutely adore the orchestration across the show (Wildhorn and Black), brilliantly period accurate and sets the tone perfectly. We shouldn’t love Bonnie & Clyde, but they are irresistible! Let's keep our fingers crossed this show gets a more permanent run in the West End, and the soundtrack comes out immediately!
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