This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour saw Becoming Nancy at the invite of Birmingham Rep.
Ealier this year for Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, West End and Broadway Director Jerry Mitchell spoke about having the UK premiere of this production at Birmingham Rep. Listen below:
By Dave Massey x.com/BrumHour
This production contains homophobic language, racial slurs and strong language.
Review: Becoming Nancy at Birmingham Rep
⭐⭐⭐⭐”A fun and powerful new musical”
Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, Book by Elliot Davis, Music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
London the late 1970s: Sixteen-year-old David Starr and his best friend Frances are allocated roles within a school production of Oliver, David is offered the role of Nancy whilst Frances is to be a flower girl and assistant choreographer, a new boy to the school Maxie Boswell is to play Bill Sykes and David is has a crush on Maxie the second he meets him. But their parents are all fairly angry about this crush as it escalates.
Homophobia and racism are rife throughout the school through the eyes of talented Joseph Peacock who plays David, he is our narrator throughout, pausing time to reflect, make jokes, and generally have the audience on his side. Frances is played by the excellent Paige Peddie. Her previous role in Dreamgirls The Musical means she has a huge voice and the right vulnerability to play a young student. Joseph Vella presents a carefee, positive character as love interest Maxie Boswell, whilst Stephen Ashfield steals all of the scenes he is in as the Scottish drama teacher.
The working-class London accents heard in plenty of West End productions finally fit in here, as the story is set in East Dulwich. The school uniforms look like a musical version of British comprehensive schools with Joseph Peacock‘s making him look like a young teacher at times rather than someone about to join 6th form. No black skirts, trousers or black blazers to be found here.
It will be easy to compare Becoming Nancy to other coming-of-age productions particularly with its Oliver nods, but it stands on its own two feet with strong songs and a positive vibe. It doesn’t shy away from exploring discrimination which gives it a powerful message.
A fun and powerful new musical, Becoming Nancy is at Birmingham Rep until 2nd November 2024. Book tickets here: birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy.
