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REVIEW
​Bonnie & Clyde
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
March 27 - 30th 2019
Let's be frank here, Bonnie and Clyde will always go down in history as possibly America's most notorious bank robbers.  They were responsible for  numerous bank raids, petrol station robberies and small town store hold-ups during America's Great Depression and earned a reputation for their fearless and shameless exploits in which they wouldn't hesitate to kill, should anyone get in their way.  The fact that they were lovers would earn the couple an added edge in the public eye and a glamorisation that would belie the evil and wicked ways that truly befitted their criminal lifestyles.

With this in mind, it's probably slightly confusing as to why anyone would want to turn their story into a musical; but, Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll And Hyde, Civil War, Dracula) clearly didn't have any issues and despite not shirking the fact that the couple were basically, not very nice people, he has dug into the psyche of the pair in his translation and concentrated on the romantic and electrifying love affair that would capture the attention of an entire country.

The musical kicks off with the the introduction of the young Bonnie and Clyde.  Both from poor backgrounds; Clyde, like lots of boys was keen on playing with his toy guns and the young Bonnie would dream of being a movie star, just like Clara Bow.  The two youngsters playing these roles, Amelia Hennelly and Albert Waldron were wonderfully endearing, with some beautiful vocals, and really set the bar for the rest of the show. (They share their roles with Lola Larke and Angelo Montanaro on alternate days and Eleasha Hammond, I assume, plays the 15 year old Bonnie and, although a small part, really stands out with some lovely vocals).

The write up for this production does say that it is a sexy and compelling adventure - and it is not wrong! As adults, Bonnie and Clyde  meet and fall in love; a young man who yearns to be like his heroes, Billy the Kid and Al Capone and a girl who writes poetry and longs to live the movie star dream. And so, their journey begins - both looking for excitement and fame in any way they can take it.

Declan Wright and Sophie Cave take on the mammoth roles of the anti-heroes and neither puts a foot wrong.  They both convey the affection and passion each had for one another and how throughout their short, yet exciting, lives this love deepened.  They certainly give the pair a more human edge and the score for this musical is one of the loveliest I've heard.  I can only imagine that the subject matter of the production is the reason why this score has not been heard more often in musical theatre circles: a crying shame because some of the numbers in this show are just beautiful. 

Sophie has the most amazing vocals ,which put me in mind of pop singer Tina Arena, and was an absolute joy to listen to and watch.  It's hard to believe that this girl is just 19 years old and this is just her second show for SODS.  She really is star material and played the role of Bonnie with complete confidence. Declan and Sophie make a great pair and their duet at the end of Act 1, This World Will Remember Us certainly leaves you wanting more.


There is also a good supporting cast with John Staines and Heather Cooper taking on the roles of Clyde's brother and sister-in-law, Buck and Blanche.  Buck also runs on the wrong side of the law and Blanche, a religious woman, desperately wants her husband to stop.

Both Blanche and Bonnie clearly adore their men, despite the inevitable disasters that befall them and their duet, You Love Who You Love has to be one of the best female duets since I Know Him So Well from Chess.  Sophie and Heather provide gorgeous vocals for this number which was a real crowd pleaser on opening night.  

This is a show which predominantly focuses on the love affair of the pair and it isn't until Act 2 that the real action begins to take place with armed robberies, gun shots and blood and gore a plenty - something that was lacking in Act 1 but certainly makes up for during the second half.  This half also shows us how the couple's actions truly affect their loved ones and there are some lovely performances from Marion Warner as Clyde and Buck's mother; and again, Heather Cooper in the penultimate scenes of the show.  However, Sara Hickling really pulls at the heart strings with her portrayal of Bonnie's widowed mother, Emma, as she heartbreakingly begs her daughter not to get involved with Clyde.

I think it's fair to say that we all know how this story ends but that doesn't make the final scenes any less shocking.  What we find has also happened is that the characters of Bonnie and Clyde have managed to endear us enough to make us actually care that they are going to die.  They know what their fate will be and so do we and their final song together, Dyin' Ain't So Bad really manages to pack a punch.  Projections before the final curtain show the actual photographs that were taken after the pair had been shot to death by law enforcement officers.

This musical is a brave choice for any am dram company to take on and whoever directs it needs to have clear vision of what they want to achieve.  Suzanne Walters has taken on an epic task and created a show that audiences cannot fail to be entertained by. A lot of hard work has gone into this production and it shows.  Every one of this cast are 100% invested in their roles from the ensemble to the principal roles.

There is also some dedicated attention to detail with costumes, especially Bonnie's, which are all excellent for the period.

It is, however, the music in this show that will leave an indelible mark on anyone who sees it.  MD, Ashton Moore conducts a great sounding orchestra from the pit and has worked well with the cast to help them find every emotion in each song. 

Bonnie and Clyde may have been a pair of evil and nasty bank robbers but it is the strength in their love for each other that endears you to look past that and allows you to realise the reasons why they did the things they did.  If I'm completely honest, I would just go and see it just to hear the amazing songs.  Either way, you won't be disappointed.

Congratulations to SODS for taking the risk on this production.  It was definitely worth it.



We interview Bonnie & Clyde director, Suzanne Walters and actors, Declan Wright and Sophie Cave, who play the infamous duo!
Find out what they have to say about the musical that will be making its Essex premiere at the Palace theatre later this month!
The cast in rehearsal below
Parental guidance is recommended due to violent themes and some mild bad language.
This is an amateur production.
7.30pm performances - £19.00
Matinees £17.00
10% discount for 10+ / 15% discount for 20+
SODS patrons: 15% off

www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.

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