Theatre

Bonnie & Clyde at Mayflower Southampton Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Yasmine Barfoot

On Tuesday 2nd April 2024, I had the pleasure of heading to The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton for the opening night of Bonnie & Clyde, The Musical UK tour, direct from the West End stage.  This production tells the story of the real life, stylish and good-looking pair, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, a young couple from Texas born in 1910.

Having both come from poor backgrounds, they crave more in life and end up doing anything to get there, even if they know this will result in their own demise. This action packed performance is brought to life on stage by director
and choreographer Nick Winston.

A brilliant retelling of a thrilling story which not only demonstrates outstanding vocal ability from the incredible Preacher (Jaz Ellington) but also fantastic 1920s foot tapping music from Frank Wildhorn with lyrics by Don Black.
In this stage sensation, Bonnie Parker was performed by Katie Tonkinson, whose enchanting voice and rhythmic dancing captivated the audience from the very start. The sensual solo ‘How ‘Bout a Dance’ sung to Clyde by Bonnie absolutely encapsulated the chemistry and love the couple felt for each other.

Alex James-Hatton passionately played the daring and rebellious Clyde Barrow, a lawless, carefree young man who awakens Bonnie to the thrill of life on the run from authority. The beautiful acapella piece ‘Bonnie’ sung by Alex showcased his stunning melodic vocals and received great applause and enthusiasm from the audience. 

A notable performance came from Catherine Tyldesley, perfectly cast as Blanche Barrow, the fiery sister in law, desperate to stop her Husband (Clyde’s brother and long time partner in crime) from committing further illegal acts. Her Texan accent, zealous nature and witty remarks shone through the stage and resulted in a strong crowd pleaser.

The set design comprises of an impressive static 1920s run down home at the front of the stage and is supported by moving pieces including an impressive mock V8 Ford car, the famous getaway vehicle notorious to Bonnie and Clyde’s life on the run. This set design also paved the way for projections of the real hand written poems that Bonnie wrote, displayed as Katie Tonkinson sang.

Real life photos found from film left behind when the pair fled a hideout were also projected behind, as the poses were portrayed on stage, really bringing the black and white images to life.

Excellent flashing lighting effects (by James Stokes) and loud bangs (by Olly Smith) highlighted the intense and gory gunfire scenes between the fugitives and law enforcement, really bringing the audience to attention, startling me on more than one occasion!

The performance runs every evening at 7:30pm from Wednesday 3rd April 2024 to Saturday 6th April 2024, with additional matinee shows at 2pm on the Thursday and Saturday. Running time is 2hrs 30 mins, including an interval.

Ticket Prices range from £22.40 to £49.50.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE.
Box Office 02380 711811. www.mayflower.org.uk.

This is very much worth a 5 star rating and I would urge you to take advantage of the opportunity of seeing this absolutely superb performance of Bonnie & Clyde at The Mayflower Theatre whilst you have the opportunity! You will leave the theatre with bundles of emotions, from the exciting thrill of being on the run, to the inevitable disapproval for the chaos they caused, and finally the admiration for the incredible portrayal of all the real life drama. And all of this wrapped up into one singing and dancing musical theatre sensation.

A Well-deserved standing ovation.

Rating: 5/5
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/bonnie-and-clyde-2024/

 

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