The Book of Mormon at Theatre Royal, Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Hallelujah! ‘The Book of Mormon’ has returned to Nottingham for a month of blasphemous ballads, heavenly harmonies, divine choreography, and comedy so sharp it could cut through scripture.
Last night, the skies didn’t part with a miracle – what landed instead was a wild, hilarious storm of fun and wickedness. Welcoming congregations to the Theatre Royal, this show crashes somewhere between Salt Lake City and complete madness, serving up satire with plenty of sparkle and a soundtrack you won’t stop singing. It’s not your typical sermon—it’s an indecorous blast of expletives and gut-busting laughs, where no subject-matter is off-limits.
From the controversial creators of ’ South Park’ and ‘Avenue Q’, this multi-award-winning masterpiece has been playing since 2011, yet its outrageous irreverence, sharp wit and golden-hearted centre remain as potent as ever. The show barrels along with the energy of a caffeine-addled missionary, blending old-school musical theatre tropes with cutting, contemporary comedy. It skewers organised religion, white saviourism, and western arrogance, and more – yet does it all with such charm and melodic brilliance that even the most devout might find themselves clapping along before they can shout, “sacrilege!”
The story kicks-off at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints training centre, where perky young missionaries eagerly await their mission assignments. Elder Price – gleaming with Disney-prince teeth and misplaced confidence – is devastated to be paired with the awkward, socially chaotic Elder Cunningham, and sent not to his dream destination of Orlando, but to a remote Ugandan village struggling with poverty, violence, and a general indifference to the word of God. What follows is a riot of cultural clashes, misfired scripture, and more than a few rewrites of the good book.
Andrew Bailey shines as the polished, ambitious Elder Price, perfectly balancing arrogance with earnestness, making his eventual unravelling both hilarious and surprisingly endearing. But it’s Sam Glen’s Elder Cunningham who truly steals the show. With impeccable comic timing and boundless energy, he transforms what could have been a one-note caricature into a character full of warmth, vulnerability, and mischievous charm. Nyah Nish’s Nabulungi (a name lovingly mispronounced throughout) delivers beautiful, heartfelt vocals, with her performance of ‘Sal Tlay Ka Siti’ providing a deeply moving calm amid the chaos. Kirk Patterson brings paternal leadership and humour as Mafala Hatimbi, the local village leader caught between tradition and change. And my personal favourite, Tom Bales, breathes life into Elder McKinley, especially shining in his memorable and hilarious performance of ‘Turn It Off’, capturing the character’s desires with charm and comic flair.
Throughout, each musical number is a perfectly crafted grenade. From the opening doorbell harmonies of ‘Hello!’ to the jaw-droppingly unholy ‘Hasa Diga Eebowai’, the songs swing between showbiz sparkle and utter shock. ‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream’ is a Technicolour fever dream featuring a tap-dancing Hitler, caffeinated sinners and dancing devils—it’s as if Cabaret and Looney Tunes had an unholy child and sent it to Sunday school.
The staging is slick, stylised and relentless. Set pieces roll in and out with cartoonish confidence. The choreography walks a tightrope between musical homage and farce—precision polished and hysterically overblown. Lighting, costume and sound combine to create a world that’s somehow both Broadway-bright and sharply satirical. Huge credit is also due to the entire ensemble and orchestra, whose energy and skill bring every explosive moment to life with infectious vibrancy.
Is ‘The Book of Mormon’ for everyone? Absolutely not. It offends. Gleefully.
Although beneath the profanity and shock humour lies something more profound: a story about faith, stories we tell ourselves to get through the darkness, and the unexpected power of community—even when it’s built on a foundation of white lies and well-meaning nonsense.
As smart as it is uproarious, it confronts the absurd and the sacred with equal parts heart and humour, never shying away from challenging its audience while keeping them thoroughly entertained. The cast’s energy is infectious, the music memorable, and the production quality top-notch, making this a show that lingers long after the final bow—one that easily earnt its standing ovation. A bold, uncompromising celebration of storytelling at its most daring—and one you won’t want to miss
Just don’t bring your Nan—unless she’s got a strong constitution and a wicked sense of humour…
Rating: 5/5 Five sinful and scandalous stars!
Tickets from £26.00.
On Stage from 3 – 28 June 2025, for more information or to book tickets visit or call the box office on https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-book-of-mormon/ 0115 989 5555
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND
Tour details: https://thebookofmormonmusical.com/
The splendorous, Victorian Theatre Royal, and neighbouring Royal Concert Hall, stand within a clean, well-lit, and popular area of the city centre which has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links. The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a wonderful night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful.
The main foyer is elegant and spacious, with a recently renovated bar. You are sure of a warm greeting and a great atmosphere. The bars/concession stands are well manned, stocked and of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.