Adapted from Terry Ronald’s best-selling novel, Becoming Nancy at The Rep, Birmingham is the UK premiere of this new musical about first loves and finding your true self.
Set in 1979, David Starr (Joseph Peacock) is trying to get through secondary school in East Dulwich, but his talent for singing and great taste in music might not be enough to get him through it when there are bullies at almost every turn.
When he’s given the lead female role of Nancy in the school play, Oliver, the unconventional casting rattles this small small-town and David's family, making him question whether he wants to take the role on after all. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the casting, and in need of support, David turns to his best friend Frances Bassey (Paige Peddie), and an unlikely new friend in his co-star and captain of the football team, Maxie Boswell (Joseph Vella).
Becoming Nancy is a story of a young person trying to find their own identity when everyone around them already seems to have defined it for them. A tale of pushing back with pride against bigoted peers, parents and even teachers, it is a showcase of unity and friendship between ‘othered’ identities, exploring homophobia and racism; including an insight into an older gay perspective through the lovable and camp drama teacher, Hamish McClarnon (Stephen Ashfield). In this uplifting musical, both David and his best friend, Frances are determined to take back control of their narratives and not let others dim their sparkling light.
Heartstopper meets This Is England meets Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, this brilliant new musical has sharp, witty humour, that even carries into some of the songs, which is perfectly balanced alongside the highly emotive storyline that will make your heart soar as high as the stunning vocals.
The musical features fantastically catchy and joyful original songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (with additional songs from Terry Ronald and Elliot Davis) – including: Welcome to the Beat of My Heart, Is This Something, Just For Today, The Risk, and Ready to Be Touched; the latter of which in particular features dazzling, Donna Summer, disco inspiration reflective of the show’s 1970s setting. The brilliant soundtrack is accompanied by lively choreography from Director Jerry Mitchell, with Associate Choreograher, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda.
Also in keeping with the late-1970s, is the bright and colourful lighting from Philip Rosenberg and the fun set design by David Rockwell and TJ Greenway, that incorporates David’s musical icons through posters of Debbie Harry (Rebecca Trehearn who also plays Kath Starr), Kate Bush (Genevieve Nicole who also plays Aunt Val) and Sting (Stephen Ashfield) who come to life in comical fashion, to act as David’s guiding voices.
Meanwhile the vibrant, vintage late-70s fashion with its bold colours and touch of sparkle from costume designer Jean Chan, paired with hair and make-up from Susanna Peretz, juxtaposed with costumes made for ‘Oliver’, the show within the show, perfectly tie this production together.
This beautifully warming coming-of-age story is a tale of queer joy, gay awakening, finding your community, and the importance of friendship. Brilliantly acted, danced and sung, Becoming Nancy will surely stay 'Six inches from Your Heart' for quite some time after the curtain has fallen! Booking tickets to Becoming Nancy at The Rep, Birmingham is definitely 'a risk worth taking'.
Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, legendary director of blockbuster musicals including Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Devil Wears Prada, Hairspray, Pretty Woman: The Musical and many more.
Becoming Nancy at The Rep Birmingham runs until 2nd November, tickets are on sale now! Check the website for Access Performances including Audio Described, BSL, captioned and relaxed.
Note: This production does contain language and acts of violence that depict homophobic and racist attitudes of 1970s Britain that some people may find disturbing.
This review is written following a press invite to the show.
Comments