The Book of Mormon, UK Tour (photo credit Paul Coltas).
The Book of Mormon. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
First premiering in 2011 this hit musical was conceived by the creators of South Park, so you can imagine from the off what this will be like! The is a new UK tour – the last one being cut short by the pandemic.
The story is about missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they are sent around the world (of course in pairs) to preach their faith following their training. Highly ambitious Elder Price (Adam Bailey) is paired with the hapless Elder Cunningham (Sam Glen) – much to his dismay. Price’s hopes are set on Orlando but they are instead sent to Uganda – again to his dismay. This is a huge culture shock for them and there the story begins.
This show is not for the easily offended (I take you back to South Park). It is full of strong content, profanities, cultural appropriation, and endlessly pokes fun at religion (I don’t know what Mormons would make of it!). It.s also however absolutley HILARIOUS. Non-stop laughs.
It doesn’t seem fair to single anyone out as the whole cast are absolutely brilliant. There are some fantastic stand-out voices however – particularly Bailey, Nyah Nish (Nabulungi), and Tom Bales (Elder McKinley).
This is such a genius piece of a modern musical and an absolute must-see. It’s fearless and hugely entertaining. In a current world of censorship its so refreshing.
5 stars. Probably the funniest musical you’ll ever see.
