Review of Bonnie and Clyde The Musical at Norwich Theatre Royal: Dramatic musical based on lives of American outlaws features wonderful songs

Bonnie and Clyde – Theatre Royal, Norwich

This is a show that starts with a bang - more than a bang, actually, as we are immediately faced with a shootout that sees America’s most wanted couple finally meeting their deadly fate.

This is a dramatic show from the very beginning and the pace doesn’t let up for a moment.

It’s a musical version of the tale of outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow who terrorised 1930s America, killing many, including police officers, and also committing several robberies.

They have entered folklore because of their love affair, and this production certainly paints them as victims of circumstance as much as cold-blooded killers - you choose where your sympathies lie!

There are some wonderful songs, especially duets between the lead characters which include Norfolk’s Katie Tonkinson in one of her first major roles as Bonnie.

She is terrific, playing Bonnie as both a hard-as-nails villain and a girl who just wants to escape her impoverished upbringing.

Alex James-Hatton is a menacing Clyde and there’s no doubting the sexual chemistry between these partners in crime. And look out for Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley as Blanche, Clyde’s sister-in-law who tries, unsuccessfully, to stop their murderous ways.

It’s a complex show, mixing up violence with some genuinely funny moments, some beautiful costumes and a great score.

And you do come away with a sense of sadness at just how tough life was in the Great Depression and how people were driven to very desperate measures.

The show continues until Saturday. More details at www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy