Review: Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live
The famous cult duo hits your own screen - from the comfort of home
Nothing rhymes with Clyde & Bonnie… but the household names are no strangers to the contemporary musical theatre world, most recently having toured the UK, just one of many productions being produced worldwide in quick succession over the recent years. One of these productions that played a role in garnering acclaim from British audiences is the 2022 West End concert staging at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, now being enjoyed by theatre fans across the world with a full-length on demand release.
Albeit marketing itself as a ‘concert presentation’, the production value is by no means less than full stagings, performed in its entirety by a fully-costumed cast. The show revolves around the infamous duo Bonnie Parker (Francis Mayli McCann) and Clyde Barrow (Jeremy Jordan), who began a life of crime on the run across America, becoming folk heroes amidst the Great Depression.
Eagle-eyed fans who have had the opportunity to see the same title in the past few years will notice slight changes as well as bonus features compared with other productions, one of the most substantial being the addition of child actors playing younger versions of Bonnie & Clyde, bringing new depth and exposition to the opening number Picture Show, paving the way for the stars to emerge to rapturous applause. McCann and Jordan generates easily enjoyable chemistry, the former effortlessly captivating, whether onstage or on screen with witty remarks; and the latter equally charismatic - it’s difficult not to like Clyde’s endearing personality with his initial innocence.
Along the quick-moving story, the duo's love-at-first-sight romance is also spiced up by the introduction of Clyde's brother Buck Barrow (portrayed by George Maguire) and his god-loving yet devoted wife Blanche (Natalie McQueen); contrary to the protagonists, the unintentionally comedy couple offers a welcome contrast, as McQueen’s animated and at times hilariously deadpan one-liners provide some of the best laughs of the evening.
The genius in shaping the show into the cult it has become today, arguably is the partnership between book, music and lyrics - credited to Ivan Menchell, Frank Wildhorn and Don Black respectively, with a mix of rock, gospel, jazz and everything in between. The latter two are specifically attributed to the character of the Preacher, joyfully sung by Trevor Dion Nicholas. These toe-tapping musical numbers (conducted by Katy Richardson) seamlessly connect and amplify the journey as our protagonists set out on a thrilling ride through their character arcs, becoming the fierce, passionate Bonnie & Clyde we know today.
One of the many benefits of watching a filmed performance (apart from the comfort of your sofa, or bed - we won’t judge) is the sheer depth cameras are able to zoom into, further highlighting the intricate relationships between characters from angles not usually seen from one single seat in the theatre; even without the usual interval, Nick Winston's defined theatrical direction and vibrant choreography is encapsulated in a cinematic twist, drawing the best of both worlds.
With irresistible songs, memorable performances and a beautifully human story at its heart, there is every reason to treat yourself (or your friends and family) to an at-home cinema night with Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live - affordably at just a fraction of the in-person ticket price, what’s not to like?
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💫 (4.5*)
Bonnie & Clyde The Musical: Filmed Live is now streaming on demand, available from £9 with ad-free access available at an additional cost.
Tickets & Accessibility
🎟️ The event is previewed in full by kind arrangement with the press representatives in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own without any input or approval from the producers and distributor.
♾️ There are sounds of gunshots frequently featured throughout the show; these happen with replica guns seen on stage. Volumes are adjustable on individual devices.