The Book of Mormon rekindled its romance with Manchester and the Palace Theatre on Wednesday evening as it opened its 2nd UK tour in the city, as it did the first tour back in 2019. And as in 2019, a sold-out audience embraced the show cheering from the pre-show announcement to the curtain call.
Not without controversy from the day it opened on Broadway in 2011 (where it is still running 23 years later) The Book of Mormon is one of, if not the funniest musical out there. Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone alongside Avenue Q composer Robert Lopez the show pulls no punches laced with foul language and taboo subjects it is definitely not one for the kids.
Adam Bailey and Sam Glen play Elders Price and Cunningham respectively in this latest production. They are a match made in theatrical heaven as they are sent to Uganda after successfully graduating from the Missionary Training Centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bailey’s powerful vocals and Glen’s perfect comic timing meld to make one of the best partnerships I have seen in this show.
From the moment this show opens high on a hill in Rochester, New York to the pageant for the mission president performed by the Ugandan villagers, each and every song throughout this show is memorable, there are not many musicals around that can achieve this feat. It is hard to pick a favourite however Sal Tlay Ka Siti” sung by Nyah Nish as Nabulungi showcasing her stunning voice shone.
There is strong support from Kirk Patterson (Mafala), Tom Bales (Elder McKinley), Will Barratt (Joseph Smith) and Rodney Earl Clarke (General) alongside and ensemble that play multiple roles throughout.
A simple yet effective set from Scott Pask lit with precision by Brian Macdevitt and chorography from Casey Nicholaw add to the spectacle of this production. The orchestra under the direction of Danny Belton fill the theatre with the memorable soundtrack.
The Book of Mormon is a show you can watch again and again, the post covid enhancements only serve to make the show better than the 2019 version last seen in Manchester.
Playing until the 5th October, if you want to grab a ticket, be quick as seats are very limited for the majority of the remaining performances. This is a show bigger than the bible and you cannot fail to believe as you leave the theatre. https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-book-of-mormon/palace-theatre-manchester/
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 18th September 2024
North West End UK Rating: