⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review by Shaun Tossell
“… HELLOOOOOOOOO! ! !…”
The inaugural UK tour of The Book of Mormon has finally made its way to Bristol. After entertaining West End audiences for nearly 8 years, the rest of the UK gets to see what all the fuss is about.
The Book of Mormon is a satirical musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Matt Stone & Trey Parker with co-writer Robert Lopez (Avenue Q, Frozen).
It tells the hilarious story of Elder Price and Elder Cunnigham, a pair of mismatched Mormon missionaries, sent on a mission to a place they certainly weren’t expecting. Elder Price has his faith tested, when trying to convert the locals is much harder than he expected.
The chisel-jawed Robert Colvin plays the overly confident Elder Price, to perfection. Brilliantly portraying the straight man to the unpredictable man-child Elder Cunningham, who Conner Peirson embodied with a childlike glee. Peirson absolutely steals the show and will have you laughing out loud with his onstage antics.
Nicole-Lily Baisden was wonderful as the sweetly innocent Nagbulugi, bringing added emotional depth to the character, highlighted during her solo numbers.
Other standouts include Will Hawksworth as the fabulous Elder McKinley, the special little touches he sprinkled throughout the show were genius.
Also the incredible ensemble who impressed during the dance numbers, showcasing the incredible choreography, especially with one of the funniest opening numbers of any musical.
The set and lighting design is bold, colourful and clever, with loving nods throughout to the history of musical theatre.
The songs from Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez are some of musical theatre’s crudest and rudest. You will gasp at some of lyrics, whilst trying to stifle a giggle at the same time. It doesn’t hurt that they are insanely catchy.
The Book of Mormon is hilariously shocking and surprisingly sweet and probably the most fun you’ll have at the theatre this or any year. It would be a sin to miss it!
The Book of Mormon is playing at the Bristol Hippodrome until the 22nd February 2020.
Tickets & more info – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-book-of-mormon/bristol-hippodrome/
Photo credit – Paul Coltas
