Katie Tonkinson

Lizzie

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hope Mill Theatre’s Lizzie gained an army of fans with its original run in September 2023, with many theatre fans making multiple visits, often in Lizzie inspired costumes, while social media was awash with praise, now, comes the turn of an all-new 2024 cast to make their mark on this firm audience favourite. Driven by a killer score delivered by four absolute power-house female performers, Lizzie raises the roof of this much-loved Manchester venue and takes every audience member along for an exhilarating ride.

The infamous story of Lizzie Borden who was famously accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother in the summer of 1892 may not be the most obvious material for a musical, but my goodness does it deliver! With a small cast of four this is a vibrant exploration of fierce women controlling their destiny at a time when oppression was the norm.

Director and choreographer William Whelton takes these historical figures and ensures that their stories are told in bold, blistering style. Opening with the eerie, infamous nursery rhyme we’re immediately transported into an intense and pressured environment. As the thrilling opening bars of House of Borden kick in, the scene is set for an electrifying production bursting with powerful vocals, edgy choreography, emotional depth and boundless female energy.

Kayleigh McKnight commands the stage as Lizze, you’re never quite sure what she’ll do next while her vocals are to die for. Fiery and ferocious one moment, calm and composed the next, she convincingly and comfortably shifts to vengeful as she takes action to gain control of her life.

McKnight has a wonderful connection with Katie Tonkinson, who plays Lizzie’s best friend and love interest Alice, their relationship is gently and delicately revealed by Tonkinson who brings light to this dark tale with her pitch-perfect, emotive performance. She truly shines in the role.

Emilie Louise Israel is superb as Lizzie’s older sister Emma, she’s strong and decisive while her rich vocals are utterly sublime. Jennifer Caldwell engages the audience from the start as housemaid come narrator Bridget. She packs in the humour with her brilliantly expressive performance, while relishing the menacing threat that something’s about to happen and we quickly get the feeling that she’ll be delighted when it does.

Accompanying this powerhouse cast is an all-female band led by Musical Director Ella Ingram, they are electrifying and further amplify the rebellious, empowering vibe.

Andrew Exeter’s set design and incredible lighting is complimented brilliantly by Dan Light’s vibrant video design, transporting Lizzie from the claustrophobic confides of the Borden House to a place where her hopes and dreams can take flight.

This gripping musical is loud, unapologetic and utterly brilliant. The layered storytelling keeps you engaged throughout while the searing score and gritty lyrics hook you in from the start. This talented cast deliver demanding vocals with an impressive ease; their harmonies are to die for while their transformation into a kick-ass girl group by the finale is deliciously satisfying. Lizzie is back, and as bloody brilliant as ever, unmissable!

Lizzie is on at Hope Mill Theatre until Sunday 17th November, tickets available here.

Bonnie & Clyde

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Following the Wall Street crash of 1929, the USA was hit by the great depression, money was scarce, unemployment was rife. As a result of these tough times America saw an increase of violent crime and armed robbery, notorious criminals such as John Dillinger, The Ma Barker Gang and arguably the most infamous of them all Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Dillinger, Ma Barker and Bonnie and Clyde have all had Hollywood films made about them, however it’s only that later has a musical about them. 

Direct from the West End Bonnie & Clyde, arrive in Manchester as part of a full UK tour. With the involvement of Oscar winning lyricist Don Black and Grammy,Tony and Emmy nominated composer Frank Wildhorn, expectations for this one are obviously high. 

©Richard Davenport

Set in and the ‘Dust Bowl’ of America, the production opens with Bonnie and Clyde, dead in their car, taken down in a hailstorm of bullets, but how did these 20-somethings end up in this situation? 

We are introduced to the violent pair as Bonnie (Katie Tonkinson) dreams about being a big movie star like her idol Clara Bow, whilst Clyde (Alex James Hatton) wants to go down in history like his hero, Billy the Kid. A chance meeting between the pair, sees them become fascinated with each other, he a fugitive from the law, a career criminal, intent on making a life following his family’s eviction from their farm. She, an aspiring actress, singer and poet determined to quit her waitress job and find excitement, adventure and the American dream.  

©Richard Davenport

Clyde, and his brother Buck (Sam Ferriday) have broken out of prison, and whilst Clyde  continues robbing grocery stores and continues his relationship with Bonnie, his brother Buck is persuaded to turn himself in by his wife, Blanche (Catherine Tydesley) a devout, god-fearing Christian women, determined to carve out a good, honest life for her and her husband.  

However, eventually the law catches up with Clyde, who is sent back to prison. Finding life on the inside is tough going, especially without his brother. He and Bonnie hatch a plot to spring him from jail, and so begins the pair’s infamous crime spree of bank robberies and murder.  

©Richard Davenport

Whilst not perfect there is a great deal to admire about the show. The music is a mix of late 1920’s early 30’s illicit speak-easy tunes infused with elements of gospel rock. There are several stand out musical numbers including the narrative setting Picture Show, the powerful huge ensemble number, Made In America and the heart-breaking Bonnie/Blanche duet You Love Who You Love.  

The cast are exceptional and certainly the highlight of the production. Alex James Hatton is in fine form, playing Clyde with a hefty dose of charisma and charm, aided by the fact he has a tremendous singing voice. Katie Tonkinson is in superb as Bonnie, her portrayal is one of determination and borderline fanatical belief that she is destined to be a star. The chemistry between the two leads is there for all to see, making the pair a captivating watch. Tonkinson’s powerful duet with Catherine Tydesley on the aforementioned You Love Who You Love is the highlight of the show.  

©Richard Davenport

Catherine Tydesley displays not just her fine vocal range, as well as measured, at times comedic turn as the increasingly desperate Blanche.  Whilst Sam Ferriday is sympathetic is the dim-witted yet loyal Buck, torn between doing the best by his wife and his brother. The foursome are supported by a hardworking and impressive ensemble that include Daniel Reid-Walters as the well-meaning Deputy Sheriff, Ted Hinton determined to save Bonnie from her bloody fate. 

At times I do think the pace and tone of the show is somewhat hit and miss. Once the characters are established it takes a while for the plot to really start moving along. The production is desperate for you to love the central protagonists, attempting to make the pair Robin Hood like characters, at times glossing over just how evil the pair really were. Whilst some of the comedic elements to the production work at times, on other occasions it does feel out of place.  

©Richard Davenport

Overall, this is an enjoyable night at the theatre, a tremendous hard-working cast with some great tunes and exceptional performances. Whilst the story doesn’t always hit its mark, the cast certainly go out with all gun’s blazing! 

Bonnie and Clyde is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 11th May. Tickets available here.