His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen – until Saturday 20th September 2025
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
5*****
The Book of Mormon is a vibrant, satirical musical that follows two young missionaries from Salt Lake City as they finish their training and embark on their first mission. The story centres on ‘Golden Boy’ Elder Price, who harbours dreams of travelling to his favourite destination, Orlando, and making a grand spiritual impact. His Brother, Elder Cunningham, is everything Price is not: socially awkward, awkwardly enthusiastic, and academically less than stellar. Their contrasting personalities set the stage for a compelling narrative filled with humour, challenges, and unexpected growth.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, known for their comedy on South Park, have teamed up with Robert Lopez, a multi-award-winning lyricist known for his work on Avenue Q and Disney’s Frozen. The musical, which is all-singing, all-dancing, is a unique blend of satire, humour, and emotional depth. The opening number, “Hello,” sets the stage for a performance that balances the comedy with a touching narrative. The musical transcends conventional comedy or typical stage productions, offering a richly layered entertainment experience. The musical is a testament to the creative possibilities when diverse talents come together, with inventive lyrics, memorable tunes, and Parker and Stone’s comedic edge. The performance promises to leave audiences laughing from start to finish, proving that the magic of collaboration knows no bounds.
Taking centre stage is Adam Bailey, reprising his role as Elder Kevin Price with a charisma and vocal prowess that elevates the entire production. Having previously witnessed Bailey’s captivating presence in the West End’s acclaimed Jersey Boys, expectations were high—and he did not disappoint.
Bailey embodies Elder Kevin Price with a remarkable blend of camp charm and vocal versatility. Though the role demands consistently high notes, it’s Bailey’s resonant low tones that truly showcase his impressive range and control. His rich, powerful voice is complemented by flawless dance moves and an undeniable stage presence.
Complementing Bailey is Sam Glen as Elder Arnold Cunningham, whose comic timing infuses the show with delightful humour. Glen perfectly captures the awkward yet endearing nature of his character, delivering spontaneous ad-libs that light up the stage—particularly in moments grappling with the pronunciation of Nyah Nich’s character, Nabulungi.
Rounding out the standout performances is Tom Bales, as Elder McKinley (La Cage aux Folles) with glittering enthusiasm. Bales brings a show-stopping flair to “Turn It Off”, a number dripping with razzle-dazzle and sharp choreography.
At its core, The Book of Mormon tells a story that blends irreverent comedy with heartfelt moments, exposing human foibles and challenging social norms. However, the humour is edgy, laden with colourful language and touching on sensitive topics — ranging from religion and poverty to cultural misunderstandings and taboo subjects.
Despite these provocative elements, The Book of Mormon’s brilliance lies in its clever storytelling and infectious energy. The humour is sharp and may at times make you question whether you should be laughing. For audiences with an open mind and a strong sense of humour, it’s a theatrical experience that delights and surprises.
The Book of Mormon is a remarkable piece of musical theatre whose high-energy satire and memorable score have earned it legendary status. However, it demands a mature audience ready for its daring content and layered commentary. Far from a harmless or gentle tale, it’s a vibrant, challenging show that rewards those willing to embrace its bold spirit and laugh at the edge.