Review: BONNIE & CLYDE West End Cast Recording
Photo credit: Richard Davenport
Fan favourite musical Bonnie & Clyde has finally released a West End cast recording after teasing us for what feels like forever! Produced by Katy Richardson and Sam Featherstone, and released through Broadway Records ahead of its UK tour next year, the recording is sure to get people booking their tickets.
Originally debuting on Broadway in 2011, Bonnie & Clyde eventually made its way to UK shores in the form of an Off-West End workshop in 2017. This was followed by a West End concert in 2022 when it was announced that a fully staged run was imminent. The show raised more than a little hell at The Arts Theatre and earned itself a legion of dedicated, devoted fans which promoted a transfer to the Garrick Theatre. Such was its success that it will embark on its first tour, bringing the notorious American duo to every inch of the United Kingdom in 2024.
Bonnie & Clyde tells the story of two small town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in America. These two fearless and shameless individuals take us on a rollercoaster ride of love, adventure and crime that captivated an entire nation. Recorded at Livingston Studios in London, the recording features Frances Mayli McCann as Bonnie Parker and Jordan Luke Gage as Clyde Barrow and the full West End cast who earned the accolade of ‘Best New Musical’ at the WhatsOnStage Awards earlier this year.
Jordan Luke Gage’s performance as Clyde earned him rave reviews on the stage. Attention grabbing ‘Raise A Little Hell’ is the stand out performance on the cast album as it was in the show. His voice soars to the top notes with a growl that only he can execute. Gage’s vocal versatility, as well as his outstanding acting, repeatedly reminds us why he is constantly cast as a leading man. Drawing on the connection with his co-star, he demonstrates vocal tenderness during ‘Bonnie’ proving his sincere love for her. The development of the character both vocally and figuratively is clear as the album progresses.
‘How Bout A Dance?’ opens with Frances Mayli McCann’s dulcet, sultry tones whilst she attempts to seduce Clyde. Initially sounding demure and innocent, her vocal changes to the sassy young woman she becomes in ‘This World Will Remember Us’. The leading lady’s powerhouse vocal comes to the forefront on the track ‘You Love Who You Love’, a duet with potential sister-in-law Blanche.
Jodie Steele and George Maguire, who play Blanche and Buck Barrow respectively, capture the chemistry they had on stage with the toe tapping number, ‘You’re Going Back To Jail’. The song is Blanche’s plea to Buck to return to jail as she’s frustrated living the lives they lead after his run ins with the law. In a lovely little nod to the wonderful alternatives and understudies that are the back bone of theatre, we are treated to an Alternate’s version of ‘Dyin Aint So Bad’ by Barney Wilkinson and Lauren Jones. Both of their voices compliment the other and it is lovely rendition of the popular song. ‘Gods Arms Are Always Open’ is a refreshing change of direction with the song layered with gospel elements. Dom Hartley Harris’ soulful vocal showcases this beautiful song superbly.
It’s easy to see why this musical went straight to the hearts of its fans and the recording gives us snippets of what is enjoyed fully on stage. The assembled cast each have moments to shine with the country western/blues inspired score, with original arrangements and orchestrations by John McDaniel. Bonnie & Clyde fans are going to fall in love with this body of work all over again, which will undoubtedly tide them over until the unlikely heroes return to the stage next year.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jordan Potts
The West End Cast Recording of Bonnie & Clyde is now available here.