Hello! It’s no small feat for a musical to live up to the hype of nine Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, but The Book of Mormon does so with effortless charm and a healthy dose of irreverence. This audacious (put lightly) musical comedy from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside Bobby Lopez (Avenue Q, Frozen), delivers a night of theatre that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is surprisingly heartfelt and amongst all that, you’ll sit with your mouth wide open in shock too. Did they really just say/do that on the stage?
At the helm of the madness are two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to spread the word and gain new members to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Adam Bailey as the determinedly self-assured Elder Price and Sam Glen as the lovable and hilarious underdog Elder Cunningham. Bailey’s soaring vocals and slick delivery perfectly capture Price’s mix of ambition and naivety. Glen, meanwhile, is an absolute scene-stealer, causing the audience to erupt into fits of laughter a number of times. The two work together really well, anchoring the story’s whirlwind of satire and chaos.
Nyah Nish is a superstar playing the role of Nabulungi, bringing warmth and sincerity to a role that could so easily get lost in the comedy. Her vocals are some of the best I have heard in a while, with her rendition of “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” beautifully performed with just the right amount of earnestness. Tom Bales shines as Elder McKinley, his rendition of “Turn It Off” was a hilarious high point of the evening, complete with energetic choreography and infectious energy.
Kirk Patterson charms as Mafala Hatimbi, while Will Barratt’s versatility is on full display as he slips seamlessly between roles, including Price’s overbearing father and the over-the-top Joseph Smith. Rodney Earl Clarke is a commanding presence as the General and manages to up the absurdity with his devilishly funny turn as Satan.
What makes The Book of Mormon truly extraordinary is its ability to toe the line between biting satire and genuine affection. It pokes fun at everything – religion, culture, and lots more – but never feels cruel or mean-spirited (although I can guarantee that you will at some points open your mouth in shock and look across to the person sat next to you, to check their reaction too). Instead, it’s a clever and incredibly quirky production wrapped in toe-tapping tunes like “Hello!” and the hilariously earnest “I Believe.”
The production itself is faultless, great set design and lighting, wonderful costumes, and fabulous live band and choreography that’s as sharp as the comedy. Not one single movement out of place. It was a joy from start to finish and I’m still humming the songs and giggling away, right now at home whilst I write this.
Bold, brash, and utterly brilliant, The Book of Mormon is a modern classic that will have you laughing, cringing, and in shock! A truly superb night at the theatre.
Five stars, no question. It’s a show worth spreading the news about!
You can catch the show until 28 December 2024 at The Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
Book your tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-book-of-mormon/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
Disclaimer: This review was written after attending the press opening of the show.