Incredible story proves a winner on city stage
Bonnie & Clyde @ The King’s Theatre Verdict: ★★★★
THE story of Bonnie and Clyde has been part of pop culture since their infamous showdown with law enforcement at the turn of the 20th century.
From movies to TV and songs, there is no denying the doomed love affair between the pair has sparked the interest of generations of true crime fans.
The latest rendition of their incredible story arrived at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow this week in its musical form. It first premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2009 and has impressed audiences on Broadway and the West End.
Katie Tonkinson takes on the role of Bonnie Park for the UK tour and reveals the beauty’s tough start in West Dallas. Bonnie is living with her mother after a failed marriage. She is working as a waitress in a diner where she attracts the attention of Ted Hinton ( Daniel ReidWalters) who is attempting to court Bonnie but failing miserable.
A chance encounter however with Clyde Barrow ( Alex James Hatton) who helps Bonnie when her car breaks down changes the course of her life forever as she is brought into his circle of prison breaks, robbery and eventually murder.
The cast tell the story beautifully through the music created by Frank Wildhorn, who wrote the hit Whitney Houston song Where Do Broken Hearts Go, and lyricist Don Black, who penned Lulu’s To Sir With Love. The soundtrack takes in the influence of the music of that era with songs such as How Bout a Dance? and God’s Arms Are Always Open among the standout performances. The latter’s impact was felt thanks to the soulful vocal performance by the preacher ( AJ Lewis) who commanded the attention of the audience.
You think you know the story of Bonnie and Clyde and then you see this show. It leaves you with a conflict of emotions as you laugh at their jokes, root for their romance and then question the morality of it all.
Hatton was made for the role. He is confident, cheeky and carries the part with such ease. Equally he is matched by Tonkinson who at points, you can’t take your eyes of her.
She is incredibly talented, and uses her voice and movement throughout to draw the audience into the world of her character.
Together the pair have authentic chemistry.
It was also a joy to watch Catherine Tyldesley who took on the role of Clyde’s sister- in- law Blanche Barrow.
Known for her TV work including playing Eva Price in Coronation Street, she adopted the perfect southern drawl for her accent and was hilarious at points with her comedic responses.
The entire cast boosted the show with clever staging amongst the highlights. It was refreshing to see the shoot- outs portrayed with stage lights. Bonnie & Clyde is a must to for true crime fans who really want to know this story and for the musical theatre fans, you will simply marvel in the songs.
Catch Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical at The King’s Theatre until Saturday.