Review: Bonnie and Clyde; UK Tour; at the Palace Theatre, Manchester

Bring a pair of history's most famous outlaws to the stage? This was what Frank Wildhorn and Don Black tried to do, writing a musical telling the story of Bonnie & Clyde. It started well, doing well regionally in the States: but then when it played on Broadway in 2011, it closed after 36 regular performances, gaining critical criticism despite being a fan favourite and playing to packed houses every night. 

However, unlike the titular couple, the love for the show did not die

It in fact gained a bit of a cult following; and then, the show found its true home roughly a decade later - the UK. 

In 2022, original Clyde, Jeremy Jordan (Hazbin Hotel) and Olivier nominee Frances Mayli McCann led a concert version at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, for two nights, which also starred Natalie McQueen (Pippin) and Trevor Dion-Nicholas (Next to Normal). It then transferred to the West End, with Jordan Luke-Gage (& Juliet) taking over as Clyde, as well as Ako Mitchell (The Colour Purple) and Cleve September (Hamilton) joining the cast. 

And OH BOY did the fans love it (JLG groupies aside)! It may not have picked up any love from the Olivier committee but it did win the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical last year. A cast album then followed. 

And I guess it was inevitable that the show would announce a UK tour 

Before I get into it, I want to say how encouraging it was to see so many teenagers in the audience. In fact I am pretty certain there was at least one school group. This show gained a lot of younger fans, and it's great seeing so many getting the theatrical spark because of this show. I digress, I know, but I thought it worth mentioning. 

Onto the show itself, and the one thing I hope they look that is the sound levels. I don't know of course if it has been the same in any other venue besides Manchester, but the band was too loud to the point where I couldn't hear quite a few words in the lyrics: and I'd like to appreciate my Don Black lyrics. 

And the lyrics, as you would expect from a master of words like Don Black, are pretty darn good; as is Frank Wildhorn's score. There's some amazing numbers in there: This World Will Remember Me, Raise A Little Hell,  Dyin' Aint So Bad. They have become favourites for musical theatre fans for good reason. And it's even less of a surprise when they're performed as well as this. 

At the top of the pile is Alex James-Hatton as Clyde

Clyde is not a sympathetic character; he makes it clear right at the top of the show that he wishes to be like Billy the Kid and Al Capone. He is ultimately a very proud young man, but there is also a lot of anger pent up in him, and when he unleashes it in Raise A Little Hell, it is a guttural yell of white hot rage. Katie Tonkinson is his partner in crime (literally), a wannabe actress who gets taken in by the ultimate bad boy. Bonnie is more grounded than Clyde in the show, and that is what makes their chemistry work. 

I didn't get the chance to see this in London, so was very glad to hear it was going on tour. I am very glad I waited patiently for it to come to Manchester. Bonnie & Clyde is a great night out. 

I didn't know much about Bonnie & Clyde, and to be honest, that is the best way to experience this story. It can get emotional, especially near the end, but it is one hell of a ride (hehe).  

If you're on the fence, then have a listen to the London cast recording; and, the trailer for the filmed concert production has just been released so expect that to hopefully come out soon! 

Bonnie & Clyde runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until 11th May before continuing its tour, ending in October at Royal & Derngate in Northampton.