Becoming Nancy
I have to start this review by fully explaining how gushing I may become about what I feel is THE best musical I’ve seen this year!. Becoming Nancy is an instant West End hit, and right up my street, with a bucket full of humour, fantastic, catchy songs that you come out singing (quite rare for a new musical!) and a beautiful queer story of acceptance and self discovery. There are some hard hitting moments and subjects covered such as racism and homophobia, however love always wins, as it should!
The book by Elliot Davis, based on the novel of Terry Ronald is perfectly crafted. Set in 1979 East Dulwich, London we meet David Starr (Joseph Peacock) who lives under the gaze of his favourite music icons Sting (Stephen Ashfield), Blondie (Rebecca Trehearn) and Kate Bush (Genevieve Nicole) who adorn his bedroom wall. Firstly, Peacock is quite simply perfect in this role, his energy, enthusiasm, performing ability and general stage presence is first class. There are many moments where Starr addresses the audience, breaking the fourth wall and the love I felt for his character at the end cemented for me how excellent his performance was. I wanted nothing but the best for him and was totally invested in his quest for love and happiness.
The story shows Starr being offered the role of Nancy in the school production of Oliver, a bold choice by exuberant and quite brilliant drama teacher, Mr McClarnon played by Stephen Ashfield who multi-roles as Sting. I just adored every moment Ashfield appeared on stage. The jumper thrown over the shoulders, a drama teacher that we have all probably encountered over the years, full of life, over the top mannerisms and just pure joy. Equally, Ashfield was just perfect as ‘Sting’, such humour and expression which really captured a moment, alongside his pop icon counterparts. Genevieve Nicole as Kate Bush really did encapsulate the wide eyed, slightly unhinged Bush with aplomb.
Starr’s best friend Frances is played by Paige Peddie. Frances encounters many episodes of racism at school from the usual crowd of bigoted individuals who can’t see the beauty in colour, and along with her gay best friend Starr, who also encounters homophobia, the formidable pair finally take charge. Peddie is a force to be reckoned with vocally, bringing much disco delight in her ‘Donna Summer’ moment with ‘Ready To Be Touched’ (song and lyrics by Elliot Davis & Terry Ronald) with its pure 70s vibe.
Director and Choreographer, three-time Tony Award-winning living legend Jerry Mitchell has quite literally done it again! With many successful shows under his belt with Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots and The Devil Wears Prada, Mitchell’s mantra of ‘full-out’ shines through in abundance with big production numbers that literally burst off the stage. I’m completely in awe of how he has been able to create such an uplifting and joyous show…..yet again! The creative genius is strong with Mitchell.
The staging (David Rockwell & TJ Greenway) and costuming (Jean Chan) have a strong 70’s feel with bell bottom jeans and big collars. The use of video projections at certain points was a clever addition to change the location of a particular scene without having to worry about multiple set piece changes.
Another plus point for this show is the music, infectious in its delivery and beautifully touching in equal measures. There are definite stand out numbers such as ‘About Six Inches From Your Heart’, a real tear jerker, and lyrically outstanding. More upbeat numbers included the opening number 'Welcome To The Beat of My Heart', 'Abigail Henson' and my personal favourite 'The Risk' which has the most beautiful melody. From the pens and minds of George Stiles & Anthony Drewe (with Terry Ronald & Elliot Davis providing additional songs) it was clear that this musical theatre writing duo still have the Midas touch.
There is so much to love in this show, not withstanding the beautiful relationship we see unfold with school new boy Maxie Boswell (Joseph Vella) which drew many parallels with the hit Netflix series Heartstopper. Two young teenage boys discovering themselves and falling in love. So beautifully done, and with instantly believable chemistry between Vella and Peacock. There are so many wonderful characters to discuss such as the hard-nosed Football Coach, Bob Lord (Richard Meek) who became the villain of the piece, the parents of our leading man, Eddie (Mathew Craig) and Kath (Rebecca Trehearn) who took time to understand and accept their sons choices, to David's female love interest, Abigail Henson (Daisy Greenwood), so good they wrote a whole song about her! Greenwood was deliciously naughty, but oh so nice!
I could literally go on for pages, and if you've stuck with me until now, its possible that you could be as obsessed about this show as I am! New musical theatre is hard to get right, however in the hands of this cast and creative team, I can only see that the sky is the limit for David Starr!.
This show was reviewed on the 15th October 2024 at the Birmingham REP where it runs until the 2nd November 2024. Tickets available here: Becoming Nancy | Birmingham Rep (birmingham-rep.co.uk)
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Mark Senior
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