Bonnie and Clyde - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The story of Bonnie and her Clyde is one which has been told time and time again throughout the years, each time highlighting their homicidal tendencies, whilst maintaining a romantic element to it. Although this show by Ivan Menchell seems to retain some darker aspects of their personalities, it wildly romanticises their story, painting the pair as a desperate couple who fell upon hard times during the Great Depression. Despite these historical inaccuracies seeming rather problematic to those aware of the details of the real Bonnie and Clyde’s story, the music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black may be quick to win them over.

Photography: Richard Davenport

Delivered by a masterful cast, the show’s music is sure to have something for musical fans and novices alike, comprising of an eclectic mix of heartfelt ballads and Americana, both somewhat suggestive of an early 1930s-time frame, whilst also retaining a contemporary essence with its rock, country, and pop numbers. The show’s score also carries an underlying melody, being the first melody that the audience hears as the curtain rises on Bonnie and Clyde’s dead bodies, but also its last, whilst acting as a constant eerie reminder of the couple’s fate throughout the show. Although it would be practically impossible to choose a favourite number in this show as every song brings something new and different to the table, Alex James-Hatton’s performance of ‘Raise a Little Hell’ and Katie Tonkinson’s ‘Dying Ain’t So Bad’ were certainly highlights of the night, alongside James-Hatton's and Sam Ferriday’s exciting ‘When I Drive.’

The show also brings about simplistic, yet memorable sets, all synonymous with the desperation of the people at the time, leaning into the darker tones, foreshadowing the dark ending for Bonnie and Clyde (sounds better than Clyde and Bonnie, don’t you think?). Bullet holes in the walls and bloodied American flags, those are only some of the examples of the way in which the story’s end was foreshadowed from the moment the audience enters the theatre.

Despite some slight issues with tech tonight, namely problems with the backgrounds that sometimes did not seem to work or show up entirely and some problems with the microphones, the cast’s performance never faltered, as they were quick to deal with these small inevitable issues. This was a true testament to the strength of the ensemble as their performances all weaved in together like a perfect tapestry.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(Ticket gifted to Adventures in Theatreland in exchange for an honest review)

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