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Bonnie & Clyde the Musical is continuing its crime spree and making a stop in Manchester until Saturday 11 May. Get a chance to see the lust filled criminal duo tell their story in Musical form.
The world of Bonnie and Clyde is introduced the moment you step into the theatre. The wall is peppered with bullets whilst a giant smoking gun shot hole fills the centre. The famous shoot out frames the whole stage. With that in mind, I was expecting a fast and furious show, after all, aren’t they the most iconic criminal duo in history?
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Instead, I experience a slow and sleepy haziness to the evening. This is a nice surprise and feels perfectly placed given the sweltering Texan heat they live in. The pace gives us time to enjoy the dialogue and story. It feels more like a play than a musical.
The acting is superb with characters that feel authentic and fully realised. In fact, I had no idea this duo was a gang, with a brother and sister-in-law who become entangled in their unlawful escapades. Following the parallel stories of this fearsome foursome is a nice education.
A dangerous duo
Bonnie (KATIE TONKINSON) is fiery with a capital F. A confident, head strong woman with a gift for poetry but a poor choice in lovers. Clyde (ALEX JAMES-HATTON) counteracts her fire with a cool and dangerous energy. A poor boy, often found in trouble with the law.
Their joint desire for excitement during the Great Depression pulls them together like magnets.
The lust between the duo is raw, raunchy and raging. Watching their relationship grow toxic is more of a focus than the crimes. This show gets under the skin of the people instead of relying on the superficial ‘action’ story. It’s a risk but I enjoyed the deeper storytelling.
Dyin Ain’t So Bad and Raise a little Hell are Bonnie & Clyde’s stand out solos. Their vocal prowess is mind blowing. This musicals rockabilly and blues score just feels right, and makes it stand out from the rest. They certainly haven’t shied away from taking more risks! But I guess Bonnie & Clyde are the personification of danger.
The award-winning video design does not go unnoticed either as it is not only used to recreate grungy locations but also to add filmic creativity. The inclusion of archival images is also an inspired touch and hammers home just how accurate the staging and costume design really is.
Bonnie & Clyde the Musical is not what I was expecting at all, but what I saw had an addictive intensity. You will find them ‘raising hell’ across the UK!
Playing at Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 11 May 2024. Tickets from £13 (plus transaction fee). Tour dates can be found here.
Image credit: Richard Davenport