Bonnie and Clyde The Musical, UK Tour Review
Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie) & Alex James-Hatton (Clyde) in the UK tour of Bonnie and Clyde. Credit Richard Davenport Written by Roni for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Having enjoyed both a concert production and two incredibly popular West End runs in the last two years, Bonnie & Clyde has a history of landing well with UK audiences. Now, it’s back and heading out on its first ever national tour. Can this fan favourite deliver the goods, or is it nothing more than a smoking gun?
Bonnie & Clyde is the dramatic retelling of the infamous story of star-crossed lovers turned ruthless outlaws on the run. While Bonnie dreams of magazine covers and stardom, Clyde fantasizes about a life of crime and driving getaway cars. When the unlikely pair fall madly in love, they embark on a journey of becoming front-page news as gun-toting criminals, as they flee the long arm of the law. Along with Clyde’s slightly more reluctant brother Buck and his god-fearing wife Blanche, the Barrow gang become some of America’s most notorious thieves and murderers, increasingly sought after by the Sheriff’s department and hurtling towards a sticky end. As the cops draw in, both Bonnie and Clyde are content with reaching their bitter end and how they lived their lives – together.
The show has transferred directly from the West End production which closed last year and garnered a hoard of rave reviews, as well as dedicated fans. It’s easy to see why, as the production leans into its heavily stylised 1920’s setting, both physically and audibly. The music is the show’s strong point, with gorgeous speak-easy style melodies combined with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about love and crime. Bonnie’s stand out ballad Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad carries a beautiful sentiment and earns plenty of commendation from the audience. The set design is ambitious, albeit slightly confusing, with some scenes completely bare, and others built up in a way that leaves audiences struggling to see all the action, or even comprehend what they are seeing. However, this seems to be a running theme for the whole production – aiming high and falling short. The plot feels stretched (an unfortunate by product of true stories), and lacking in enough punch to really make an impact. There were also a few sound issues which left the actors at risk of being over powered by their superb band – this could be venue specific but would benefit from being addressed.
That being said, the cast is the saving grace for this show which oozes unfulfilled potential. Daniel Reid-Walters and Jaz Ellington lead a fabulous ensemble with some jaw-dropping vocals as the Deputy and Preacher respectively. Catherine Tyldesley is suitably frustrated as the increasingly desperate Blanche, while Sam Ferriday gives both a powerful and skulking interpretation of loyal brother ‘Buck’ Barrow. However, the stand out performances inevitably come from the brilliantly cast leads, Alex James-Hatton as Clyde and Katie Tonkinson as Bonnie. James-Hatton is a powerhouse, producing a gritty yet loveable rogue, while Tonkinson drips sass with her sultry take on the infamous femme fatale. Both can put no foot wrong vocally, and their voices are stunning, both as a duo and individually. They have undeniable chemistry, drawing us in from their first meeting to their last breaths.
Overall, the show is enjoyable with a great score and an even better cast. Sadly, it is let down by a haphazard set and a script that lacks excitement where there is plenty of scope for criminal antics and capers. It isn’t quite setting the stage alight, but this incredible cast are certainly making sure they go out in a blaze of glory.
On a UK tour until 26 October 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆.5
