Theatre Review: Bonnie & Clyde, Wales Millennium Centre

Summary

Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: Tuesday 26th March - Saturday 30th March

Where to see it: Wales Millennium Centre

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including interval)

Keywords: Musical, Forbidden Love, Blues, Rockabilly, Gospel

Review

Bonnie & Clyde proves to be a compelling and emotive performance that, while not without its flaws, is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are fortunate enough to experience it.

Bonnie & Clyde follows the infamous tale of the real-life fugitives whose exploits have become ingrained in American folklore from their time on the run in the Great Depression. This musical directed by Nick Winston took to the West End in 2022 after a run on Broadway in 2011, which previously struggled to find its footing. The revamped version for the West End has taken the country by storm and its revival has captivated audiences nationwide; this story follows the treacherous tribulations of Bonnie (Katie Tonkinson) & Clyde (Alex James Hatton) from their first meeting through to their ultimate demise. Their story is supported hilariously by Clyde’s brother Buck (Sam Ferriday) and his sister-in-law Blanche (Catherine Tyldesley) who offer comic relief throughout with their story intertwined with the title lovers.

From the outset, it's evident that the tale of Bonnie and Clyde unfolds with a sense of inevitability, yet the timeless nature of their story means a spoiler alert is unnecessary! As the curtains rise, the audience is greeted by the powerful rendition of 'When I Drive' by Buck and Clyde, showcasing the remarkable vocal talents that remain consistently flawless throughout the performance. Following Clyde and Buck's dramatic escape from imprisonment, the mood shifts seamlessly to a scene of comedic relief in Blanche's salon. Here, the salon ladies deliver a hilarious performance of 'You're Going Back to Jail', punctuated by witty remarks and light-hearted banter, effectively juxtaposing the seriousness of the underlying themes, a trend that remains throughout the performance.

The balance between the darkness of inevitable imprisonment, murders, and sociopolitical issues is punctuated with well-delivered one-liners, raunchy scenes (maybe don’t take your mother!), and light-hearted humour, all perfectly calibrated to captivate the audience. Throughout, the vocals are nothing short of sensational, with Alex James Hatton as Clyde standing out for his gorgeous, buttery tones that effortlessly carry the songs. However, it's the mesmerising performance of 'You Love Who You Love' by Blanche and Bonnie that truly steals the show. Their vocals blend seamlessly, evoking a sense of raw emotion that resonates long after the final curtain falls.

While the production excels in many aspects, such as vocal performances and humour, it falls short in terms of plot execution. The dramatisation of Bonnie and Clyde's folklore is inevitable in creating a captivating show suitable for the West End stage, yet the emphasis on their love can feel somewhat superficial at times. The gravity of their situation is occasionally played down, resulting in a somewhat muted portrayal of their ultimate downfall. As a result, the ending lacks the impactful punch it could have delivered. Where this performance lacks in plot execution, is more than made up for in sensational vocal performances and humour which sets the stage alight.

Ultimately, 'Bonnie & Clyde' proves to be a compelling and emotive performance that, while not without its flaws, is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are fortunate enough to experience it.

Standout Quote or Moment: Performance of ‘You Love Who You Love’ performed by Bonnie & Blanche as their love stories intertwine.

See If: You want to hear a gorgeous soundtrack carried with vocal ease married with a forbidden love story.

Similar Plays: West Side Story, Chicago

Last Impression: Excited to see what is next from this impressive powerhouse of a cast.

To get tickets for Bonnie & Clyde click here

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Elizabeth Mathers