Review: The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre

The Book of Mormon
Prince of Wales Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd April 2013 (Evening)

Amazing? Astonishing? Incredible? Mind-blowing? Breathtaking? Extraordinary? Impressive? There is not a word in the English dictionary which can accurately describe The Book of Mormon. This revolutionary show pushes boundaries just about as far they can go and breaks almost every single rule in the rule book. The Book of Mormon feels so fresh and brings something completely different to the West End. I have never experienced such an exciting buzz in a theatre, both before, during and after a performance.

The show follows two Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to convert a village, a challenge which is not straightforward. If there was ever a show which should not be taken seriously... it is The Book of Mormon. For some it is outrageous fun and for others it is a guilty pleasure. 

Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone's book and score is unusual as not one second of the show drags on too long and there is not one single weak, forgettable musical number - I don't think I can say the same about any other musical? Apart from a few reprises (which bring familiarity) each song is unique but with with an identifiable sound.

From the moment the lights went down it only took me a few minutes before I was gently chuckling... then laughing... then howling... and during Spooky Mormon Hell Dream my laughter turned into uncontrollable tears. Without being too graphic I think the lady in front of me may have wet herself. My face is still aching from smiling the whole way through. It is one thing to watch a funny sitcom at home on your own, but when you are in a theatre, sharing the experience with 1,159 people, it is quite an experience!

The cast are out of this world, each and every one performing to perfection. Gavin Creel, fresh from opening the US National Tour, looks at home in the West End, owning the stage like I have never seen anybody else do before. His rendition of the show's anthem, I Believe was my personal highlight. At first Jared Gertner (who was in the original Broadway cast and is also fresh from opening the US National Tour) hides in Gavin's shadows as Elder Cunningham. However, as the show progresses Jared most certainly steals the spotlight and the affections of the audience. He has the power to make an entire theatre scream with laughter at any given moment. 

Alexia Khadime is fast becoming West End royalty - is there anything she cannot do? Her portrayal of Nabulungi is sweet yet funny and her vocal performance is once again jaw-droppingly faultless. Alexia delivers both Sal Tlay Ka Siti and Hasa Diga Eebowai effortlessly, casting some sort of spell over the audience.

Another stand out performance comes from Stephen Ashfield who adds a glimmer of British humour to his portrayals of Moroni and Elder McKinley. Turn It Off was another show highlight, just when you think The Book of Mormon can't get any more ridiculous... it does. The ensemble are fierce, precise and tight, all the big musical numbers are quite a spectacle. Scott Pask's scenic design is pretty basic and at times looks a little cheap but it fits in nicely with the mick-take feel of the show.

If you are easily offended then quite simply do not book tickets for this show. It is extremely offensive and the language is obscene. The Book of Mormon contains all the expected ingredients of a hit musical... a good score, tap dancing, a strong cast and so on, but it also brings something new to the table, therefore it comes as no surprise that audiences are welcoming this show with open arms.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to book tickets (availability from June)

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

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