Nancy Smashes It!

Dominque McIntyre, Isaac Elder, Paige Peddie, Joseph Peacock ,Genevieve Nicole, Daisy Greenwood, Mathew Craig, Rebecca Trehearn. Photo credit Mark Senior.

The Rep, Birmingham, presents the UK Premier of Becoming Nancy until Saturday 2 November 2024.

Review by Ann Cee.

Are you ready for a funny, beautifully crafted, new musical that draws on the big British sounds of the seventies such as Sting, Debbie Harry and my particular favourite, Kate Bush?  Are you ready to be lifted by lively dance scenes and moved by some big, new ballads such as Is This Something? On the Night Bus, About Six Inches from Your Heart?

“Becoming Nancy” is based on the best selling, novel by Terry Ronald and tells the sensitive story of a teenage boy, David Starr, who is living in East Dulwich when he is invited to play Nancy in the school production of Oliver.  David (Joseph Peacock) is an adorable boy-next-door who is faced with anti-gay bullying as he navigates “Becoming Nancy” and falling in love with his rufty tufty football captain, co-star, Maxie Boswell (Joseph Yella). 

Ensemble in Brighton. Photo credit Mark Senior.

Fortunately, David and Maxie have a reliable friend in the feisty Frances Bassey (Paige Peddie) who takes a stand against racism and excels as Donna Summer.  Teacher Hamish McCiarnon (Stephen Ashfield) and flirty Abigail Henson (Daisy Greenwood) bring great humour and poignancy which counterbalance the bullies, including the nasty soccer coach, Bob Lord (Richard Meek).

David’s parents (Rebecca Trehearn and Mathew Craig), his aunt (Genevieve Nicols) and his sister (Dominique McIntyre) come through for David but it's not all plain sailing as prevailing social pressures create tension and conflict with the neighbours and the school community.   

Joseph Peacock (David Starr). Photo Credit Mark Senior.

Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blond, Kinky Boots, the Devil Wears Prada) has created a show that whizzes along, and despite tackling some tough themes, will ultimately leave you feeling uplifted and glad you came.

Tickets available for shows this week from https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/becoming-nancy/