Review: BONNIE & CLYDE, Original West End Cast Recording

When Bonnie and Clyde began to hit the headlines in the 1930s, they gained instant celebrity status. Therefore, it's no surprise that the musical adaptation of their lives (or rather, crimes) has earned a similar cult following. 

While the original Broadway production closed after just two months, the infamous outlaws have fared far better overseas. In fact, between a staged concert, a run at the Arts Theatre and, more recently, the Garrick Theatre - UK audiences seemingly cannot get enough of the show. As such, it's hardly surprising that a cast album has been released - especially as the show is set to embark upon a UK tour in 2024. 

With a book from Ivan Menchell and music from Frank Wildhorn and Don Black, the show views the duo through a somewhat sympathetic lens - attempting to delve into why the couple entered a life of crime. Were they a product of society, or was it simply their destiny? 

As such, there’s a clear narrative thread running through the music (and the album),  which, coupled with the decision to leave snippets of Menchell’s dialogue within the tracks, leaves the listener feeling as though they’re back in the theatre after hitting play. With a sense of palpable tension throughout, the 28-track album will undoubtedly go down a treat with fans of the show.

There are a lot of different music genres embedded in the album; soft rock, blues, gospel and American country (to name a few), which were brought to life by a nine-strong Orchestra (Nick Barstow, Honor Halford-MacLeod, Kobi Pham, Daniel Vildósola, Annie Blake, Zach Okonkwo, Kate Ingram, Claire McInery and Clodagh Kennedy) in London’s Livingston Studios. As such, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

However, the album's true strength lies (as it did within the production itself) with the cast. Frances Mayli McCann remains charming as Bonnie Parker, a role she’s always handled with grace but seems to understand more each time she reprises the role. Even within the album, her emotion is palpable - she believes every word she sings, and the audience does too. Her rendition of “Dyin’ ain't so Bad” is a particular standout within the album.

Jordan Luke Gage carries a similar sense of gravitas to the album, his voice switching between tender and sinister within a single note. His rendition of “Raise a Little Hell” is nothing short of hell-raising, packed with the emotion, angst and talent that the song demands - while also holding onto Gage’s natural charisma. “Bonnie” provides a nice moment of sincerity in the latter half of the album - which otherwise gets darker and heavier as it speeds towards the show’s dark end. The duets “Too Late to Turn Back Now” and “What Was Good Enough For You” showcase the pair at their best, their voices blending together seamlessly. 

George Maguire is equally fantastic as Buck Barrow, and “When I Drive”,  the punchy, pacy duet he shares with Gage, is sure to find its way onto many morning or getting-ready playlists. One of the show's more “feel-good” songs; it's just as fun in the album as it is within the song. So too, will “You’re Goin’ Back To Jail”, in which Jodie Steele is delightful as Buck’s wife, Blanche - showcasing apt comic timing and impressive vocals (as Steele always does).

Other songs that will be replayed repeatedly include  “You Can Do Better Than Him”, performed by Jordan Luke Gage and Cleve September (as Bonnie’s childhood friend and police officer Ted). September’s voice is dripping with sincerity throughout the album, bringing a softness that many other characters don’t get to express. Dom Hartley-Harris brings powerhouse vocals to “God’s Arms are Always Open” and “Made in America”, the album's gospel-inspired numbers. 

There’s also an additional version of “Dyin’ Aint So Bad” within the album, sung by the Bonnie and Clyde alternates Lauren Jones and Barney Wilkinson. With strong vocals throughout, it's refreshing to see alternates being given a chance to shine on a cast recording - something that other shows should take note of moving forward.

The clear narrative thread that runs through the album means that those who are not already familiar with the show will be able to invest themselves in the story - whereas those who’ve seen it several times over will love to sing along. It feels angstier and darker throughout than the Original Broadway Cast Recording - (there are also a few lyric changes here and there), again making for an enjoyable listen. 

The Bonnie & Clyde Original West End Cast Recording is now available to stream or download here.

 

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