This musical is staging it’s UK premiere at The Rep in Birmingham. Becoming Nancy is based on the novel of the same name by Terry Ronald. With choreography and direction by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman: The Musical and many more) and music and Lyrics by Geroge Stiles and Anthony Drewe you can be assured you are in safe hands for a great evening of entertainment.
Set in 1979, Becoming Nancy tells the tale of schoolboy David Starr. In his room decorated with posters of 70’s icons, he dreams of being a star. He has a talent that is spotted by his drama teacher who casts him as a surprising role in the school play. What will happen if he takes the role? How will his family and the kids at school react? His decision will start a chain reaction that ensures nothing will ever be the same again.
This is a tale that has everything, first love, family bonds, racism, homophobia, self-realisation, fear and pride.
What stands out about this cast and the show in general is the abundance of energy. From the start you are launched into the story, music and dancing. The choreography is fresh, polished to perfection and a pure joy to watch. Mixing a drama class with a football team in a musical number is unusual but this production team have delivered on this and every number.
This is no jukebox musical; every song is original and new. There are nods to the styles of 70’s stars on Davids’s wall and the musical Oliver but these are cleverly woven into a score that gets your feet tapping while developing the story.
Most of the characters have a chance to shine and take centre stage with a solo or duet. Every one of these either raises the roof and your spirits or pulls at your heart strings. The cast are all fantastically talented.
Joseph Peacock is David Starr; you instantly warm to the character with his asides to the audience and his youthful torment. Peacock is a true triple threat as he leaps and moves around the stage while belting out a song.
Davids best friend is Frances (Paige Peddie) she has her own fight as she deals with the racist school bullies. Again, a stunning performance that saw the audience on its feet after her song “Who I am”.
There were many mothers in the audience with a tear in their eye as Rebecca Trehearn (Kath Starr – Davids Mum) beautifully sang the emotional “About six inches from your heart”.
An unusual group of people encourage David on his journey, these entertaining performances are given by Genevive Nicole, Stephen Ashfield and Rebecca Trehearn alongside their other roles (Aunt, Teacher and Mum) which are equally enjoyable.
Becoming Nancy is a show full of fun and upbeat numbers, but at the same time it deals with issues and attitudes that were present in 1979, and to some extent still exist today. Some part of the rapturous applause could be because people can identify with the fight for equality and react when the characters stand up for their rights.
This show and cast deserve this show to hit the West End as soon as possible. It isn’t often that you feel like you are watching the start of the next big thing, but that is exactly how it felt. Every aspect of this production is superb and had the audience in the palm of its hand throughout.
Do whatever you can to get a ticket for this heartwarming and life affirming show, you will not be disappointed.
Runs until Saturday 2nd November 2024, https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/
Reviewer: Annette Nuttall
Reviewed: 15th October 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
