REVIEW | THE BOOK OF MORMON, UK TOUR
The Book of mormon
uk tour
★★★★★
The Mormons are on a new mission in Nottingham as the tour finally arrives in the Midlands! The 21st-century musical smash-hit has become of the longest-running Broadway transfers in the West End. Nothing will prepare you for this side-splittingly funny musical. Although with the minds of those behind South Park holding the reigns, you know that this production will push the boundaries.
The Book of Mormon follows a group of American Mormons, particularly the unexpected duo Elder Price and Elder Cunningham. They leave America to embark on their first mission to spread the word of Jesus Christ..in Uganda. Of course, it's not easy when any talk of God in the villages isn't exactly optimistic. As the pair begin their mission Elder Cunningham tries to grow some self-belief and falls in love with a local, the leader's daughter Nabulungi. Whereas Elder Price is struggling to convert the villagers and questions whether he can do what he has been sent to do.
It's a clever musical comedy that flows at a great pace. It is jam-packed with modern references and certainly opens up a can of worms with some of the hard-hitting discussions surrounding religion and sexuality. Collaboratively Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone create a musical that has an instant impact. Not only through the book but with the music and lyrics too! With songs such as 'Sal Tlay Ka Siti' and 'Man Up' in there which contain some of the most outrageous lyrics, you'll hear in the theatre! One number, Turn It Off' jokes about the suppression of feelings as a "little Mormon trick". Just a disclaimer, if you are someone who gets easily offended, this probably isn't the musical for you.
This touring production is superb in its staging and standard of performance. It is probably one of the best I've seen for that alone this year. From the moment we say "Hello!" in the first musical number, this cast maintains consistent energy and commitment to their roles throughout. Many of them take on more than one character without missing a blink. A stand-out was Elder McKinley (Jordan Lee Davis) who was just brilliant. So naturally funny and executes a great stage presence with his character(s).
I was rooting for Elder Cunningham almost immediately and it's down to Conner Peirson magnificent acting that the audience did the same. His character's personality was infectious and he was the perfect casting alongside Elder Price (Robert Colvin). Not forgetting how breathtaking Aviva Tulley (Nabulungi)'s vocals were throughout the production.
The Book of Mormon is HILARIOUS! Such a fantastic production that I believe I need to get another ticket for whilst its in town.
Performances take place until 10 Sept 2022. Ticket information is available here.