REVIEW | Bronco Billy The Musical, Charing Cross Theatre
Written by Philip
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
A sharp-shooting, lasso swinging story of love and family, Bronco Billy races into London’s Charing Cross Theatre.
The story takes place in 1979 and follows the story of Bronco Billy and his performance troupe and Antoinette Lily, heiress to the Chocolate fortune. Through a series of events, their lives begin to intertwine and lead to the real heart of this show. Family and whatever a family is to you.
With a book by Dennis Hackin and music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres, with additional lyrics by Michele Brourman, Bronco Billy really does sing. The words and songs work extremely well together creating cohesion and harmony. They do not have to rely on the ability of the cast to push the story along. The show is filled with catchy tunes that you hum to yourself on the journey home and with a sense of fullness in your heart. It is jam packed with humour and a sprinkling of silliness while driving home the importance of love.
The cast is led by Tarinn Callender who plays Bronco Billy himself. He leads with warmth and charm. He commands the stage and gets the audience on side from his first moment on stage. Callender’s warmth shines through in his smooth, velvet vocals. Emily Benjamin plays Antoinette Lily, a heiress-come cowgirl with wit and a lot of soul. You really feel for her plight. Benjamin also gets to show off her powerful side with amazing vocals and strength of character. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt takes an iconic turn as Constance Lily, Antoinette’s evil scheming stepmother. She steals every scene she is in. Hamilton-Barritt has comedy in her bones. With every look, note and dance step, Hamilton-Barrett had the audience eating from the palm of her hand.
Read more: Interview with Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Bronco Billy The Musical
The rest of the cast mainly made up of Bronco Billy’s troupe and Constance Lily’s Sidekicks, were a fabulous ensemble who made this piece what it was.
Billy’s troupe made up of Karen Mavundukure as Doc Blue, Henry Maynard as Lefty Lebow, Aharon Rayner as Joe Eagle, Helen K Wint as Lorraine and Josh Butler as Lasso Leonard James worked so well as a unit. They made a real connection with each other which bleeds into the audience. Yet again hammering home a feeling of unity.
The same can also be said of Constance’s Sidekicks, Chris Jared as Edgar White Lipton, Silas Wyatt-Barke as John Arlington and Alexander McMorran as Sinclair St Clair. They had comedy timing in abundance. Always being bad but with a bucket load of fun and humour while always sticking as a unit.
Hunter Bird directs the piece with careful thought and a keen eye. He utilises the space well and keeps the pace up. The action is always moving which helps the flow of the show. Finding comedy is important but so are the moments of truth and fear and love. Bird uses his actors extremely well as we travel through their emotions.
Scenic Designer Amy Jane Cook uses the stage effectively and really transports you to the Wild West. The revolve allows the central piece of set to become the focal point for many different scenes. It keeps it fresh and fun.
John Bulleid acts as the Illusion Designer for the show. He uses clever tricks to fool the audience into believing the ‘sharp-shooting’ elements of the show! You see plates being smashed in front of your eyes without a bullet ever being fired. Having knives thrown around the stage is equally effective. It all adds the the Wild West feel of the show.
Overall Bronco Billy is a brilliant night out! Hopefully, this will not be the last we see of this hilarious musical. I certainly will get back to try and see it again! You all should too!
Bronco Billy is playing at the Charing Cross Theatre until 7th April 2024.
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