Bronco Billy at Charing Cross Theatre Review
Circus stunts, comedic frauds and slow romances in a delightful Western show
Wild west cowboys meets theatrical extravaganza as Bronco Billy rides into the UK after its Los Angeles premiere with originating producer Skylight Theatre Company. The musical adaptation based on the 1970 Warner Bros. film is set against the backdrop of Amy Jane Cook’s interpretation of a colourful travelling circus, extending out into the intimate Charing Cross auditorium and cleverly transitioning into various other settings on a central revolve.
Dennis Hackin’s book takes us on an adventurous journey, first introducing the titular character and his “Wild West Show” in a dazzling opening number. Bronco Billy (Tarinn Callender) desperately attempts to save his show from declining ticket sales until by chance he meets heiress to Manhattan chocolate company Antoinette Lily (Emily Benjamin, who enters to rapturous applause). Though initially agreeing to only do one show, the unlikely duo gradually find each other in realising the true meaning of family, and so unfolds a romantic comedy as the circus drives across America, encountering peculiar fraudsters, chaotic Hollywood casting calls and a wickedly funny stepmother along the way. The book is typical of a commerical theatre piece with an obvious sense of comedic awareness, but the plot still enjoys fast-moving development nonetheless.
Tonally ambitious yet undeniably entertaining, the music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres fulfills their purpose as storytelling devices through song, with a variety of musical genres orchestrated as easy head bops by David O. From anthemic numbers to meslimatic ballads, the songs are a joy to listen to; at times they do feel slightly out-of-context as characters suddenly burst into song, though this happens fairly infrequently and are quickly compensated by the likes of Benjamin, whose vocal talent is effortlessly evident in soaring solo numbers.
The versatile musical delivery also extends to the full cast, with Aharon Rayner (Joe Eagle) and Karen Mavundukure (Doc Blue)’s unique voices especially standing out from the ensemble; leading the troop with utter confidence, Callender delivers endearing “I Want” numbers with much charisma, dynamically contrasted by the ridiculously hilarious Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Constance Lily), whose impeccable sense of comedic timing as Antoinette’s stepmother - aka classic panto-style villain - is fused with fun dance numbers met with uproarious cheers. The laugh-out-loud chaos is eventually brought to an end with a rousing ballad, circling back to the heartwarming themes of family, love and chasing your dreams.
Bronco Billy may not have the most groundbreaking plots or the most technically complex stagecraft, but its contagious humour and big-hearted numbers certainly justifies its place as one of the most fun night outs in the (wild) West End. Yeehaw!
★ ★ ★ .5
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were purchased at the Access Rate offered by the theatre, equivalent to a free companion ticket at box office discretion.
♾️ There is a substantial number of gunshot sound effects featured in the show; no gunfire is seen and they are either predictable or mostly on beat with the songs. Multiple pyrotechnic effects (some making a loud noise) and confetti cannons are used twice at the end of the opening number and finale. Timings of such effects are available from the box office on request.