Theatre Review: Bonnie & Clyde, Garrick Theatre
★★★★★
Every once in a while a show comes along that reminds you of the beauty of theatre, that creates a little bit of magic, a spark of something undefinable. A show that reminds you that theatre and storytelling is a simple joy that humans have indulged for time immemorial. Bonnie and Clyde, now playing a limited 11 week run at the Garrick did that for me.
Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCann star as the titular legends of American folklore, and what casting it is as they both are well on their way to becoming legends of West End Theatre. Gage makes light work of the fan favourite Raise A Little Hell, showing off the impressive range and control he has over his voice, whilst McCann shines in the tender tones of Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad. He has the perfect balance of charm and just slightly unhinged to make Clyde really pop on stage. The two have definite chemistry, and an ease with each other that creates a beautiful atmosphere between the two, and Gage gets to flex some comedic muscles at times that we haven’t seen so much of from him in other roles.
If Bonnie and Clyde are chaos, then Blanche and Buck (Jodie Steele and George Maguire) are a sense of calm. Think of them like the earth sign friend that balances out and provides some grounding for the fire sign in the group. Jodie is well known for her comedic timing, and it absolutely shines as Blanche, some of the biggest laughs coming courtesy of her. Her two big numbers though show just how talented she is, because they couldn’t be more different. Act 1’s You’re Going Back to Jail is packed full of laughs and light moments, Jodie and George quite the double act throughout, it’s perhaps the most lighthearted moment in the show. That’s What You Call A Dream in Act 2 is heartbreaking, tender, heavy with emotion, pitched to perfection.
Writing wise, Buck is not as fleshed out as he could be, and in the wrong hands he could have been a forgettable character, but lucky for Buck, he’s in exactly the right hands with George Maguire. Some (I am some) may say even the perfect hands. He brings a charisma and warmth to the character that far from being forgettable, makes him feel something akin to the heart of the Barrow gang, and the most heartbreaking moment of the show isn’t the demise of Bonnie and Clyde, but the fate of Buck Barrow. He makes you laugh hard and cry a bit harder, and that for me, breathing so much life and soul into this character, makes George a real standout in this ensemble.
And it really is an ensemble that works. Huge vocals from Dom Hartley-Harris, and a voice smooth like honey from Cleve September add something delightful to the mix. Despite strong songs that feature gospel, country, and bluegrass sounds, when it ran on Broadway it never quite found its feet, closing after a month. But this production, which is a transfer from it’s limited run at the much smaller Arts Theatre last year, has already proved it’s got the feet for a longer run. Sure, there are a few issues around the depth of the writing - Bonnie falls for Clyde mighty quickly, and it might have felt meatier had the Great Depression felt a bit more like it’s own character to really highlight why they’re in this life of crime - but it’s a stage show not a 12 episode Netflix drama. And what more can you ask for from a stage show than a stellar ensemble, beautiful staging and lighting design, creative choreography and songs that get stuck in your head? It’s a fun night out, and lord knows we could all use a bit of fun right now. But hey, reviews are subjective. So if you’re not sure if you believe me, why not go and see for yourself?
Tickets are available now for as little as £20. It plays Monday - Saturday, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday, best availabilty from April 10th onwards. Access tickets also available.