Bonnie and Clyde

BONNIE & CLYDE

Presented by

MELLOW DRAMATICS

Based on the book by Ivan Menchell, Lyrics by Don Black and Music by Frank Wildhorn. Telling the backstory of how on the two ‘notorious gangsters’ came together, the life and times of serial bad boy Clyde Barrow and dreamer Bonnie Parker.

Both characters brilliantly brought to life courtesy of Brad Hambleton and Chloe Lang. A sizzling pairing, with a palpable sexual chemistry oozing from the stage. A classic good girl falling for the -bad boy story at the heart of this fateful tale. Bonnie dreaming of movie-star fame from an early age ‘The IT girl’ Clara Bow her idol and inspiration.

Clyde originally one of the Barrow Gang together with his brother Buck, played by Keiran Barrett, pull off a daring prison break, Buck desperate to be with his wife Blanche, Amy Glover, this was a lovely pairing, great pathos and humour between the pair.

These four were the mainstay of the production, together with the stern Sherriff, Chris Moss and his posse of deputies including Bonnie’s ever hopeful beau Ted Hinton, played by Andrew Warner.

Great support from the likes of Joe Bromfield as the Preacher, his God’s Arms Are Always Open number brought back feel good memories of Kenny Everett’s ‘Brotherly Love’ Preacher.

Together with Alison Broadley, Maria Smith and Melvyn Edwards as Bonnie’s mum Emma Parker, Clyde’s parents, Cumie Barrow and Henry Barrow respectively, adding a real heartfelt human element to the “ruthless killers” a headline which turns out to be more sensationalism from the press of the time, somethings never change apparently.

Good all round backing from the ensemble to. The hairdresser scene in Act I was a rib-tickler. I must also mention the young Clyde and Bonnie, Fin Watson and Emily Padmore-Flint, good stage presence.

Director Helen Thrupp utilised a cleverly designed and flexible set, together with a well-rehearsed cast, to bring an entertaining well-paced show. Lighting and sound, the usual high standard that regular Mellows attendees are accustomed to, so to the costumes, only minor detail was the hosiery of the era.

Musical Director Tim Robinson, steered his six piece band easily through the sixteen 1930’s stylized numbers, all of which were new to me as was the show, beautiful harmonies from the vocalists throughout.

A thoroughly enjoyable show, with some truly excellent performances.

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