Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group

Book by Ivan Menchell

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Lyrics by Don Black

Our reviewer Rachel Bates was highly impressed with the quality of production and performances of Sweeney Todd on our last visit to the Arts Theatre Nottingham and so it is with a degree of great anticipation that I return for this new production of Bonnie & Clyde where the songs are almost unknown to me. Would I be depressed by a story set in the Great Depression or impressed by a show billed as a ‘gripping tale of romance and rebellion?’ Judging by the stellar standard of performances, the faultless quality of the live music (MD Jonah Williams) and the slick nature of the scene changes, the Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group production directed by Keira Dormer-Hazell and choreographed by Jessica Royce works a god damn treat. As they say in Rowena and Ellis County, Texas.

The dramatic set up is that two teams share the production running from 9-11 July; team Barrow and team Parker. This evening’s performance is by team Barrow with Morgan Spencer as Bonnie Parker and Jamie Adlam as Clyde Barrow. Spencer and Adlam show admirable stage skills and singing abilities in quite a complicated score with duets such as ‘This World Will Remember Me’, ‘How ‘Bout A Dance?’ and Adlam brings out all the acting guns with a super feisty version of ‘Raise A Little Hell’. Bonnie and Blanche’s ((Eloise Rees) beautifully sung duet ‘You Love Who You Love’ raises the bar in terms of quality acting through song.

Lenny Brady as Buck Barrow gives us a splendid performance which is both gutsy and at times hilarious and most important of all in terms of character credibility for the audience, his relationship with Clyde and Blanche is totally believable. Elizabeth Fitzgerald gives us an acting masterclass as Emma Parker and her performance proves the saying less is more. Andrei Morris is the right side of commanding with his excellently accented Sheriff Schmid.

The ensemble work particularly well with some disciplined choreography and inventive group work and headed up by Eliza Szedjda’s preacher have a musical field day, gospel congregation style with ‘Gods Arms Are Always Open’ which symbolises broader themes in the play.

At the top end of the show are two very short but very strong sung performances by Isobelle Connellan (Young Clyde) and Betty Metson- Scott. (Young Bonnie). They really do set the tone for what is to come as they sing of Bonnie and Clydes’ youthful ambitions to be like actress Clara Bow and hoodlum Al Capone.

If there is any criticism of the production it is in certain aspects of the back projection where one assumes what is projected are tabloid headlines about the notorious goings on of Bonnie and Clyde as they go about their robbing and killing escapades. The headlines are unreadable and some look like they are flooded with leaking light. The projections to do work better where they are of simple imagery depicting a forest at night for example.

The glossy show programme is very well put together and I love the cast details of their individual ambitions in musical theatre and straight plays. It gives one hope in their present day and future contributions, plus the dedication of those those who guide and support their dreams and learning experiences. If you happen to attend an evening or matinee performance presented by team Parker I am sure you will have an equally good audience experience with their take on Bonnie & Clyde. Maybe too you will leave the theatre considering the desperate and often foolhardy actions of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. They both died so young and in an excessive hail of bullets as a deadly warning to other miscreants. Or maybe, as the most moving song sung by Bonnie Parker goes, ‘Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad.’ Either way, big congrats to this talented youth group and the company’s choice in presenting this rarely done musical with its non-traditional, eclectic mix of country, rockabilly, gospel and blues.

Next up for Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group is Animal Farm by George Orwell in a stage adaptation by Tatty Hennessy. 10-11 October at Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Photos credit: Martin Holtom