Book: Elliot Davis
Music and Lyrics: George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, Elliot Davis and Terry Ronald
Writer: Terry Ronald
Director: Jerry Mitchell
Musical theatre has always been a safe place for the LGBT+ community, but there aren’t many huge musicals 
with LGBT+ storylines. Becoming Nancy is the new musical racing to help to fill that gap. With a mix of catchy pop tunes, moving ballads, powerful anthems, and an emotional storyline, this new show is undeniably a new classic of musical theatre.
As the show begins, we meet David Starr, a joyful young man with a passion for singing, growing up in South London in the late 70s. He speaks directly to the audience in short quips and flashy show tunes, sharing his deepest inner thoughts with us. As his day at school progresses, we meet his best friend Frances and find out they’ve just auditioned for the school production of Oliver! To David’s surprise and chagrin, he is cast as Nancy – the female romantic lead. This is bad enough, with bigoted bullies around every corner, but a further wrench is thrown when the boy cast as Nancy’s love interest, Bill Sikes, is the charming, sporty, new boy to the school.
Teens facing first love, figuring out their identity, and experiencing discrimination all at once – and above all caring about the success of their school musical – this show has it all.
Directed and choreographed by Broadway (and West End) sweetheart Jerry Mitchell, Becoming Nancy has the look and feel of an all-American musical but with a heart of British humour and wit. Based on a true story originally experienced and written in novel form by Terry Ronald, this story is inescapably English. However, the themes and the lovability of these characters make it an enjoyable show, with elements that many attendees may recognise in themselves.
The Becoming Nancy score was written originally by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with additional songs by Elliot Davis, Terry Ronald, and George Stiles. Musical theatre fans may find themselves reminded of High School Musical and Blood Brothers, with hints of Oliver! throughout. But non-musical-theatre-fans may also be heartened to hear there are plenty of pop influences in this music – both magical and hysterical – sung by a cast of talented actors.
Joseph Peacock and Paige Peddie stand out as David Starr and Frances Bassey, respectively. These two friends face hardship after hardship together and always find a way to stand up for each other – usually in sassy comeback form. Both performers have incredible voices, showcased in every song, and a great range of expression and likability. Not to mention style: Jean Chan’s costume design is thoroughly 70s, which is sure to thrill those who grew up then and those who have grown up to love it now.
Although there is a lot to love in this show, there is also some very blunt racism, adults influencing young people in good and bad ways, and inevitable heartbreak. Even when bad things happen, it’s easy to remember this is a musical and the two lovers will end up happy and together, the bad guys will be punished, and everyone will dance together at the end. What is more difficult to accept is knowing those characters then must fight the same battles for another 40-50 years to get to today, where it may be better, but the fight still goes on.
Birmingham Rep has almost certainly got a new classic on its hands – so get your tickets and “let love make you brave.”
Runs until 2 November 2024
