“There’s a world out there that has lost its way, full of dark and hateful things to say.” The first line of Dennis Hackin’s Bronco Billy – The Musical is as relatable to the current world as it is to the 1979 in which this musical is set. Powerfully delivered and led by Karen Mavundukure as Doc Blue, the opening song, “Ride With Us” sets the scene with a wow start to the show. With music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres, and based on Hackin’s earlier movie, this is a wonderful triple-threat of a production. Marvellous vocals, credible characters with chemistry and a clever set that almost steals the show.
Bronco Billy and his small troupe of Wild West show people are touring the US in a beat-up bus to ever-dwindling audiences. They’ve made it to Kansas when Billy, in need of an assistant for his sharp-shooting act, comes across Antoinette Lily. She’s a New York candy-bar heiress on the run from her murderous stepmother, Constance, who is trying to steal her inheritance. From Kansas, the troupe make their way to Hollywood for a life-changing TV competition, with Constance and her killing crew in hot pursuit. It’s all a bit comic-book, villains engaging the poor and down-trodden in a battle of good versus evil. But it is also a heart-warming story of people pursuing their dreams, the power of friends-as-family and the possibility of changing your life. And of course, the pleasure of seeing the bad guys getting their comeuppance.
The show is driven along by a raft of great songs with a country feel, and there’s R&B, ballads and a bit of soul. Each song is integral to the story, not simply an opportunity for the characters to burst into song at any moment. Musical director Marcus Carter-Adams leads a terrific band from high up in a mezzanine. Tarinn Callender is a believable Billy, strong but vulnerable, constantly trying to remain upbeat through trying times plus he has a great set of pipes. Emily Benjamin’s Antoinette Lily is the feisty Manhattan heiress at a crossroads in her life. Benjamin plays on Lily’s strength and determination to preserve her father’s legacy. Her relationship with Billy is a delightful and credible love-story. Benjamin and Callender both give strong performances, with the entire cast matching them in talent. Energetic and physical, the cast handle the well-choreographed slapstick (and even sword fighting) with ease.
Central to the story is the stereotypical evil stepmother, Constance Lily, played with obvious glee by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. This is Maleficent meets Cruella De Vil, a scenery-chewing comic performance full of laugh-out-loud moments. It might seem a bit panto-evil, but she fits perfectly.
Amy Jane Cook’s design for the show is pure joy. A tour bus that’s seen better days revolves to become a New York apartment, a makeshift stage and living quarters, making ingenious use of the small space. It requires a crew working slickly behind the scenes to effect lightning-quick set changes and it is only right that they are brought on at the curtain call to take a bow.
Billy Bronco The Musical is at the Charing Cross Theatre until 7th April. Tickets are on sale at: Charing Cross Theatre. Put on your cowboy boots and ride with them for a joyful and uplifting night out! https://www.broncobillymusical.com/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 31st January 2024
North West End UK Rating: