Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie Parker is bored with life and wants a change, she longs to be famous. She gets her chance when she meets the charming Clyde Barrow, a convict on the run. Clyde has dreams of a life of crime that will free him from the hardships of the Depression. The two fall in love and begin a crime spree that extends from Oklahoma to Texas. They rob small banks with skill and panache, soon becoming minor celebrities known across the country. However to the law, they are evil bank robbers who deserve to be gunned down where they stand.

Bonnie and Clyde are well known names but few know the details of their story. Although they are known bank robbers, this musical centre’s firmly on the relationship between the two lovers and the loyalty and commitment shown to their families.

Stoke Youth managed once again to deliver this hard hitting musical with maturity and ease. The set was simple and clever allowing the show to flow and maintain pace. The car was a very ingenious addition and the props and furniture allowed the audience to be transported in time. I don’t know what the script indicates but I would’ve liked to have seen the two main characters in the same costume and position at the end as they were seen at the start, for me it would’ve tied it all together and been more satisfying.

There were a few sound niggles on opening night which I hope were resolved as the week went on, particularly the balance between band and vocals. This can have such an impact on a show, but due to lack of time it is often hard to get right and so audiences at the beginning of the week tend to suffer.

A big round of applause has to go to Bonnie (Emily De-Silvestro), Clyde (Joe Readman), Buck (Max Birkin) and Blanche (Phoebe Cooke). Great characterisation and each part was performed with both confidence and style. The ease they found with each other made the relationships believable and I really began care what happened to them as the story progressed.

A mention also has to go to the Young Bonnie and Clyde’s (Miranda Gresty and Felix Dunn). These two youngsters held their own on the stage and gave a very accomplished performance for ones so young.

Best number in the show for me…’You’re Goin’ Back To Jail’. The cast displayed great timing and delivery.  Moments like this lightened the mood of the show and helped relax the audience for the more dramatic scenes later on.

Well done to all involved in this show. The directors vision, the cast’s commitment and the dedication of all those involved really shone through. Congratulations!

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