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Last night I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the regional press night of the touring production of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. After seeing the show in the West End during its run last year, I was very excited to see the UK Tour and the brand new company - and they did NOT disappoint.
Bonnie & Clyde follows the story of famous outlaws Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow on their crime spree across America as well as their love for each other. With music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don black, the memorable score will have your toes-tapping and your head bobbing as you see the story of these celebrity criminals unfold before your eyes.
Nick Winston directs this production and does an incredible job. Winston’s direction ensures that this popular tale is both exciting, thrilling and truthful. No moment within the show feels out of place and the choreography during ensemble numbers is slick and works well in the piece. I really enjoy Winston’s direction and would be interested to see his other work after seeing this masterpiece that he has created.
The design aspects of the show are beautifully done, giving the show the right look and feel that you’d expect. I particularly loved the projection aspects and video sign by Nina Dunn (which unfortunately had a bit of difficulty last night - but can be expected and excused when this is the first venue they have moved to on their tour since opening in Leicester last week. For the most part they worked fine). They allow us to be transported to different locations throughout the story and this is very effective - it looks great when Clyde moves through the prison in ‘Raise a Little Hell’. The set and costume designed by Philip Witcomb slot perfectly into the era of the 1930s. The bullet holes all around the set are extremely effective particularly during the big shootout scenes, when lighting (designed by Zoe Spurr) is shone through the bullet holes - this is one of my favourite design aspects of the show!
Let's talk about cast performances!
This company is extremely strong, with each performer doing incredibly well throughout the piece.
Alex James-Hatton takes on the role of ‘Clyde Barrow’ each note was hit with a great deal of vocal power and strength, he has a lovely tone that goes so well with all of Clyde’s songs and ‘Raise a Little Hell’ was outstanding receiving a massive cheer from the audience following the number. His cheeky and fun portrayal of Clyde gave lots of laughs as well as sentimental moments throughout the show. Alex James-Hatton gives a masterful performance that I will be raving about for quite some time!
In the role of ‘Ravishing Red-head’ Bonnie Parker is played by Katie Tonkinson. Tonkinson has a beautiful voice that gives the songs of the show a nice contemporary feel. I really enjoyed Tonkinson’s characterisation of Bonnie as she plays the comedy extremely well and the emotion is so heart-breaking which she performs with truth and leaves the audience in tears with ‘Dyin’ ain’t so bad’. Katie Tonkinson is outstanding as Bonnie Parker and brings both powerhouse vocals and heartfelt acting to this wonderful character. The onstage chemistry between Alex James-Hatton and Katie Tonkinson was second to none and they make a fantastic duo.
Sam Ferriday performs the role of ‘Buck Barrow’, Clyde’s Brother. Ferriday gives both a hilarious and honest performance of ‘Buck’. He brings a great deal of energy to the stage and the brotherly energy between himself and Alex James-Hatton was fun to watch during both ‘When I Drive’ and ‘Raise a Little Hell (Reprise)’. Ferriday is a fantastic performer, and after seeing him in ‘The Cher Show’ and now this, it really shows his versatility.
Catherine Tyldesley plays ‘Blanche Barrow’. Tyldesley gives a heartfelt performance of Blanche, playing the comedy of ‘You are going back to jail’ with fantastic comedic timing and lovely vocals. Her heart-breaking performance at the end of the show was enough to draw me to tears once more, as I do many times throughout this outstanding show.
The role of Ted Hinton was played by Daniel Reid-Walters who has a gorgeous voice, as well as playing such a complex character so well. Jaz Ellington plays the preacher with stunning vocals once again. The riffs and runs throughout songs such as ‘God’s Arms are always open’ and ‘Made in America’. My jaw dropped at Ellington’s vocal talent and can’t wait to see them in future roles.
This entire cast is full of incredible performances. Every single member of the cast is such a strong performer - Jasmine Beel was amazing in the role of Emma Parker/Stella, and I was able to see the debut of Olivia Lallo in the role of ‘Trish’ which she played wonderfully.
I cannot recommend this touring company enough - they truly are an impeccable bunch and the show itself is just as fabulous on the road, as it was in the West End
I urge you to catch this production as these outlaws hit up many theatres up and down the UK (where I will definitely be trying to catch them again!!). You can find out more on their website: https://bonnieandclydemusical.com/#section-tourdates
Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants
28th February 2024
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