Written by Mark Johnson
Becoming Nancy has been delighting audiences in its run at Birmingham Rep. The musical adaptation of Terry Ronald's novel first premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atalanta, Georgia, in 2019 and is now making its UK premiere.
Becoming Nancy has been delighting audiences in its run at Birmingham Rep. The musical adaptation of Terry Ronald's novel first premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atalanta, Georgia, in 2019 and is now making its UK premiere.
I attended the first preview in Birmingham and was left completely wowed. That night I unfortunately had to leave early due to a medical emergency in the audience (thankfully the person was okay) which caused a show stop and could not miss the last train home to Leicester. I was gutted to miss the end of the performance but thanks to the brilliant staff at The Rep I was telephoned the next day and offered to return to see the show in full. So upon returning nearly a week later I got to see the full performance and was left utterly blown away by the brilliance of this new show.
With it only being in previews at both performances it wouldn't be right to give a full review, however with it clearly already being a 5-star production I wanted to give you 5 reasons to head along and watch this magnificent show.
1. The Story
Terry Ronald's 2011 novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1979. It tells the story of David Starr, a schoolboy who is cast as Nancy in the upcoming school production of Oliver! David must battle prejudice while trying to find his true identity as a Queer boy. The story tackles themes that remain sadly timely such as racism and homophobia.
The writing is colourful and bright and has some really well-rounded characters. David Starr himself is beautifully rounded and the journey he goes through is one an audience can instantly connect with. Maxie Boswell, the football captain, is another cleverly written part who matches well with David. The prejudice David faces both from his family, his classmates and teachers is striking with how the world was in the 70s and a timely reminder how far we've come.
Frances Bassey, a young black girl, battles racist bullying throughout the show, her strength and courage in the face of what is thrown at her is powerfully written and staged.
Without giving spoilers, the story wraps itself up superbly and leaves you feeling warm and uplifted. It's a celebratory piece that will touch your heart and fill you with such joy.
Jerry Mitchell directs and choreographs the production and his prowess is very clear. He has a clear knack for staging a musical and the ensemble numbers are given dazzling choreography that thrills.
2. The Cast
The casting across the board in this production is perfect. Credit to Jill Green CDG who helms the casting departing on the production.
The casting across the board in this production is perfect. Credit to Jill Green CDG who helms the casting departing on the production.
Joseph Peacock is a marvel as David Starr, the way he carries the role makes him feel real and hearty. Through his own turmoil as he battles to find his identity, especially the prejudice he knows he'll face as soon as he's cast as Nancy. Joseph Vella is a warm presence as Maxie Boswell, the key central relationship between David and Maxie is well captured.
Paige Peddie is exceptional as Frances Bassey, her delivery is touching as she battles through the racism she faces from her classmates. Her vocals are incredible too, the soaring powerhouse vocals delight as she sings 'Move Along' and 'My Skin', she also has an unforgettable turn as Donna Summer in a foot tapping disco number 'Ready To Be Touched' in the second act.
A touching performance by Rebecca Trehearn comes as Kath Starr, David's mother, she clearly adored David and wants the world for him but also battles within when she discovers he's gay. Trehearn has a gorgeous vocal which is showcased in the moving 'About Six Inches From Your Heart'. Trehearn also plays Blondie as one of the three posters that come to life, she does this with such fun.
Mathew Craig is your stereotypical hardbacked Dad as Eddie Starr, he rejects that David could ever be Nancy and when he discovers his son kissing Maxie he blows his top.Yet under the surface you can also feel that here is a Dad that does love his son. Craig portrays this really well.
Genevieve Nicole is lovely and fun to watch as Aunt Val, she is certainly on David's side and has some cracking lines. Her sympathetic performance is matched by her performance as Kate Bush, she has a complete hoot in the delivery of the singer. From every look and movement she nails it.
Genevieve Nicole and Daisy Greenwood. Photo by Mark Senior |
Stephen Ashfield is outstanding throughout. As the lively drama teacher Hamish McClarnon he is having the most fun. He is larger-than-life and eccentric and SO watchable, he lights up the stage in every scene. He also doubles up to play Sting and does this with the same amount of fun.
Daisy Greenwood gives a well-rounded performance as Abigail Henson, she portrays the role really well especially as she tries to connect to David. Although she is mistreated by him, she bounces back. She is exactly the girl you'd want to have your eye on if you were part of the class and her vocals are superb.
Richard Meek is a great baddie as PE teacher Bob Lord, he clearly has his own racist views and this is well played. Seb Harwood relishes his time as the nasty Jason Lancanster while Isaac Elder plays the troubled Squirrel with the believability that he is being led up the wrong path whilst deep down knowing it's the wrong thing.
Seb Harwood, Joseph Peacock and the Company. Photo by Mark Senior. |
The entire company are brilliant and excel both vocally and in the delivery of Jerry Mitchell's choreography.
3. The Score.
The score is full of terrific songs that are both catchy and touching. The music is provided by Stiles and Drewe with additional music and lyrics by Terry Ronald and Elliot Davis.
Right from the punchy opening number 'Welcome To The Beat Of My Heart' I knew I was in. It's a strong opening number which brings you right into the world of the show. It's energy with Jerry Mitchell's choreography gets you foot stomping and this feeling carries through in the ensemble numbers that are sprinkled through the show.
'You Do You' is a catchy song sung by the three icons (Sting, Blondie and Kate Bush) and celebrates how David should feel the inner strength.
Stephen Ashfield, Rebecca Trehearn and Genevieve Nicole. Photo by Mark Senior. |
The touching number 'About Six Inches From Your Heart' sung by Trehearn's Kath Starr is a highlight in act one in this strong soundtrack.
Act One ends on the thoughtful 'Is This Something?' as David and Maxie explore the possibility of romance together.
Act two has the ear worm 'Abigail Henson' which I've been singing in my head ever since hearing it and arguably the strongest song in the show 'On The Night Bus' sung by Genevieve Nicole as Aunt Val and Daisy Greenwood as Abigail Henson. This is a beautiful number, so well sung and acted.
'My Skin' allows Paige Peddie to showcase her incredible vocal range whilst portraying a strong message.Whilst her vocals also thrill a little later in the second act with the disco-enthused 'Ready To Be Touched'.
The show ends on the joyous celebratory 'Have You Ever Had A Love Like This?' which has the audience on the feet, clapping and encouraged to sing along. This ends the performance on such a high that you are excillerated as you leave the Rep and head back into your own life once more.
Ahead of the run an EP of 6 songs from the show was released featuring this UK company, this gives audiences a chance to hear or listen back to some of the magnificent soundtrack. Be sure to check it out wherever you stream your music.
4. Supporting New Musicals and Regional Theatre.
It has been a strong period for new British musicals. Six continues its World domination, Operation Mincemeat continues to extend its London run and is set for Broadway, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has just transferred to the West End, Two Strangers Who Carry A Cake A Cross New York enjoyed a West End transfer this summer at the Criterion Theatre and Why Am I So Single has not long opened at The Garrick Theatre. Becoming Nancy should be put on the same pedestal as these shows.
It has been a strong period for new British musicals. Six continues its World domination, Operation Mincemeat continues to extend its London run and is set for Broadway, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has just transferred to the West End, Two Strangers Who Carry A Cake A Cross New York enjoyed a West End transfer this summer at the Criterion Theatre and Why Am I So Single has not long opened at The Garrick Theatre. Becoming Nancy should be put on the same pedestal as these shows.
The cast of Becoming Nancy. Photo by Mark Senior. |
Many of these shows enjoyed either regional or Fringe runs in venues. It's a hugely important time to continue to support regional venues like Birmingham Rep who produce excellent work. Beyond Becoming Nancy the venue stages A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story and The Snowflake for the festive season and an exciting set of shows for 2025 already programmed.
5. Feel Good For All.
The show is simply feel-good. It is the kind of show that you leave the theatre wanting to turn around and watch again. It's an engaging show that is perfect for children and adults. The themes remain relevant and timely with a modern audience even nearly 50 years on from when the show is set.
With a magnificent story, cast, staging, and staging this show deserves to be the next big musical hit. I hope there will be life beyond the run in Birmingham but run to the Rep to catch the show in its UK infancy.
Becoming Nancy runs until Saturday 2nd November 2024. Tickets are available from https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/
Full company of Becoming Nancy. Photo by Mark Senior |
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