The story of BONNIE AND CLYDE should, in theory at least, be a tricky one to put on stage, they were after all a murderous couple who robbed banks and killed people in the midst of the 1930s great depression. But at the heart of the musical, at the Wales Millennium Centre this week, is a story filled with love, passion and a huge amount of sexual chemistry. Throw in some incredible musical numbers and you have a show that would be criminal to miss.
Let’s get the facts straight first. The old 1960s song said – ‘Bonnie & Clyde were pretty looking people, but I can tell you people they were the devils children‘. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow killed around 13 people and and yet were folk heroes during their robbery spree. So you have a show which treads that fine line between making then loveable rogues and ruthless killers – be in no doubt, it’s the latter.
The simple fact is, we shouldn’t like Bonnie and Clyde, but we still do now, the same way ordinary folk in Texas loved them almost as much as the police hated them.
First of all, here’s what the audience thought of the opening night at the WMC. We also spoke to two of the stars. ALEX JAMES-HATTON plays Clyde, and is also from South Wales, you’ll notice a few of his friends in our film. SAM FERRIDAY who is Clyde’s brother Buck is no stranger to the Donald Gordon stage, but is clearly thrilled be back in this new show.
The show takes us to Texas in the 1930s, a young Bonnie (KATIE TONKINSON) falls head over heels in love with Clyde (ALEX JAMES-HATTON), who at this point is already a criminal on the run from the law. Caught up in his charming and evil ways, it’s not long before Bonnie & Clyde go a little crazy and as one of the songs says – ‘Raise a Little Hell‘. As their love heightens so does their notoriety, body count and place on the public enemy list.
Whether you know the story or not is irrelevant, you know exactly how it’s all going to end, especially as the show opens with the ambush and killing of Bonnie and Clyde. We are then taken back to the time when they met, fell in love and life went very wrong, and their love becomes a killing game.
But this show isn’t all about the two titular characters, in fact a lot of the story is focused on Clyde’s brother Buck (SAM FERRIDAY) and his wife Blanche (CATHERINE TYLDESLEY). The two bring humour to the show and you really feel invested in the pair of them and the chemistry is electric. Catherine is a highlight among the superb cast, and has some stand-out moments. It’s also clear that she’s loving her first musical theatre role, the first of many we hope.
For Alex this is a special moment, the South Wales born performer has been to the Wales Millennium Centre many times but never performed on the Donald Gordon stage. It was nice to be in the audience for his opening night. As Clyde he brings real charm and charisma to a man we really shouldn’t find at all likeable. Katie’s portrayal of Bonnie takes us on a journey from waitress to outlaw and you feel her character grow throughout the production. Her voice too is outstanding.
It’s a large cast and each of them deliver a fantastic performance, with some great individual moments. You can see the full cast list HERE.
The show does touch on the depression which goes in some way to explain why they turned to crime, this is particularly highlighted in ‘Made in America‘ and it’s one of the many songs which really bring this musical to life.
It’s easy to see how the soundtrack has become such a hit with fans and newcomers alike. As we get towards the end of the first half there are three superb songs, pretty much back to back, it means when we go for the break we are itching to get back to the story.
For me, the second half is where Bonnie & Clyde really ramps it up, especially with a bigger role for Buck and Blance.
What the show doesn’t do is glamourise the pair, or indeed any of the protagonists. Over the decades the legend of Bonnie & Clyde has turned them into ‘heroes’ but heroes they most certainly aren’t and the show cleverly steers away from that.
It doesn’t mean they weren’t charismatic. Bonnie wanted to be a movie star, so she clearly had something about her which naturally drew people in.
Being set in the 30s means we get a mix of jazz, folk and a bit of gospel too with ‘God’s Arms Are Always Open‘ with fantastic vocals from JAZ ELLINGTON as The Preacher.
As much as Clyde loves Bonnie, he’s also a little in love with himself and I couldn’t help imagine what it would have been like if they were in our world today. I reckon they would have been all over Social Media, posting and raising hell online. Their fame at the time was equivalent to modern day ‘influencer’ status.
The show comes to us with a host of awards and incredible cult status, we’ve been waiting a long time for this to get to South Wales and it doesn’t disappoint.
The set and costume design by PHILIP WITCOMB really captures the era and the Video elements designed by NINA DUNN are first rate, particularly the silhouettes of Buck and Clyde as they come out of prison, it’s a really stunning moment in the show. In fact, the video projection is so cleverly done I could go back again just to take it all in.
You may know the tale but what you get from the show is a sense of the real people in the tragic and disturbing story. Their reign may have been short but the impact they made on the world will last many lifetimes and with a musical of this calibre I suspect many new ‘fans’ will be dipping into the world of Bonnie and Clyde.
You can watch our interview with Alex, who plays Clyde HERE. And do yourself a favour and take a listen to the cast recod=rding below, it really is outstanding.
BONNIE & CLYDE THE MUSICAL is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 20th March. Performances are at &30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets start at £16 and you can get yours HERE.
