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Pictures: Paul Coltas (previous tour) The Book of Mormon The Alexandra Theatre **** I’m not sure which is harder to believe – that The Book of Mormon stage show is 13 years old or that in all that time, I’d never seen it. That’s right, I must be one of the few people NOT to see the extremely popular production. Possibly because so many people see it multiple times that tickets go in a heartbeat. Luckily, this time I snagged a ticket at the start of the production’s mammoth run at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre, which runs until December 28th. I must confess that I did not know a great deal about The Book of Mormon prior to watching it. I knew it was a satire on the Mormons (aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), I knew that it was written by the creators of South Park Trey Parker and Matt Stone (I did not know it was co-written by Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez who also co-wrote, along with his wife and collaborator Kristen Andersen-Lopez, the songs for Frozen amongst other animated hits) and I knew that it was definitely rude to all and potentially offensive to some. First of all, I should probably say that if you are easily offended, this is not the show for you. Yes, it is a very clever production and yes, it is also very funny but it is also very near the knuckle with it’s humour. Nothing is off limits and I can see how people might be offended.
Age guidance is noted as 14+ as the show contains strong language, adult themes, strobe lighting and bangs and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Some might see this as on the low side but I think that this is a clever production with lots to say, so for youngsters who are well versed in pottymouth (note that includes the C-bomb) there is a lot they can gain from this production. For it not only holds religion up to microscope but also the way modern day society can embrace the ‘White Saviour’ mentality with anything which deals with Africa. It is not always comfortable viewing as it forces a degree of reflection and self-awareness but it is always thought provoking and/or entertaining. As we follow Elder’s Price and Cunningham on their journey of discovery (and overzealous attempts at religious conversion) in Uganda, we learn a little about Mormons too. No spoilers. Adam Bailey and Sam Glen are superb as the two male leads. Their chemistry is fabulous, their comic timing is spot on and Bailey in particular has a fantastic singing voice. All in all their performances head up a fantastic ensemble cast. Nyah Nish is wonderful as Nabalungi – with solid comic timing and probably the best vocal in the extremely strong cast. Tom Bales is the epitome of a scene stealer as Elder McKinley whilst the two ensembles – the Mormons and the villagers – are superb. There really is no weak link in the cast.
The pedigree of Robert Lopez shines through – indeed often this sounds like being in a very adult Disney cartoon. It means that the songs probably get away with more than a lesser song would expect to. The quality of songwriting is exceptional – with You and Me (But Mostly Me), Hasa Diga Eebowai and Turn It Off being obvious highlights. The latter two demonstrating the aforementioned strength of the ensembles, as did the deliciously ironic I am Africa. Joseph Smith American Moses is another top tune but, to be honest, there isn’t a duff number in there, it’s just a case of picking your favourites. The sets are cleverly designed by Scott Pask and complimented perfectly by Brian MacDevitt’s lighting and Brian Ronan’s sound. The only slight issue being the ‘Satan’s voice’ being hard to hear/understand but I am sure they will sort that out as the run gets into it’s groove. Overall there is a lot to like in this production (and a lot that some might not like) but I do generally think that this show has been around for so long and its creators are so well known that you’d be hard pressed to find people in the audience who are likely to be offended because if you won’t like it then you probably won’t watch it in the first place. I think it is a show with heart – it’s just heavily camouflaged with rude and offensive humour. It makes you laugh, it makes you uncomfortable at times and it makes you think - and for theatre purists it even has a play within a play. Tickets start at £25 and are selling out. So if you want to see it, try not to wait 13 years like I did. You won’t be disappointed. The Elders will be on their mission to 28-12-24. Theo Clarke 04-12-24 |
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