Bonnie & Clyde – Garrick Theatre, London

Book: Ivan Menchell

Lyrics: Don Black

Music: Frank Wildhorn

Director: Nick Winston

Although it starts at the end, with Bonnie & Clyde dead in their car, this production about the legendary outlaws is simply enjoyable fun.

After a run at the Arts Theatre last year where it won the Whatsonstage Best New Musical Audience Award 2022 it now sports a few changes in production with some parts added and removed in its new home at the Garrick Theatre. But Ivan Menchell’s book, although well-researched and based on fact – the 1929 crash and life in America the Great Depression that leads to the poverty and desperation – lacks grit.

The music by Frank Wildhorn with lyrics by Don Black ranges from Jazz and Blues, Gospel to Rock which, though eclectic, work well to help the story flow. While some are thrilling there are too many generic soft rock numbers and one too many love songs. It would work better sticking with music from the era as these tunes are the best and most memorable in the show. The glitzy tunes are enjoyable and excellently choreographed, but these jolly numbers make light of what should be a dark theme.

By making the lead characters so likeable, the sense of the rebellious outlaws who robbed and killed so many is lost. It seems more like an enjoyable story of TikTok stars wanting to become famous rather than gruesome murderers on a rampage. This musical misses the spirit of recklessness, cruelty and abandonment of morals that Bonnie and Clyde are known for. What saves this production is its superb cast who fizz with energy, personality and passion. They really could not have given more gusto to their performance. Bonnie (Frances Mayli McCann) and Clyde (Jordan Luke Gage) are joyous to listen to and bring the score to life

The set, lighting and the use of subtle effects projected onto muslin are inspired and imaginative with bullet holes, prison bars, gun firing, blood splattering all ingeniously represented and there is even half a car on stage used in various different ways. These add to the almost over-the-top fun of this production.

Bonnie & Clyde has all the elements to put a smile on your face. Humour abounds and there are some catchy well-sung numbers, a great cast and sparkling choreography from director Nick Winston but a production about this infamous duo could have been so much more if the focus had been on drama and depth rather than jollity and fun.

Runs until 20 May 2023