Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 2nd November 2024
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Becoming Nancy started life as the 2011 debut novel by Terry Ronald. This very British show first premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2019. Making its UK premiere at Birmingham Rep, the show has gone through some adaptations and gained a few songs along the way. The show boasts an impressive creative team, with two-time Tony award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) at the helm, a book by Elliot Davis and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with additional songs by Terry Ronald and Elliot Davis.
The first thing that struck me as I took my seat in The Rep’s vast auditorium was the anticipation from the audience. As the lights went down and the band started to play, there was applause and cheers you would expect to hear at the curtain call. This crowd was ready and eager to see this show!
We meet David Starr (Joseph Peacock), a sweet daydreamer who loves to act and wants to play Fagin in the school production of Oliver! His hopes are dashed when drama teacher Mr McClarnon (Stephen Ashfield, reprising his role from the original Atlanta show) decides David would make the perfect Nancy. David is reluctant to accept the part as he already suffers relentless bullying from Jason Lancaster (Seb Harwood) and Marcia Tubbert (Layla Armstrong-Hughes) for being different and being best friends with Frances Bassey (Paige Peddie), a young black girl who also suffers at the hands of racists. David’s family are also not happy about this turn of events, especially his father Eddie (Mathew Craig), who doesn’t want his son wearing a dress on stage. David’s mother Kath (Rebecca Trehearn) and Aunt Val (Genevieve Nicole) are torn between wanting to support David and being worried about the consequences of him playing such a part.
Set in East Dulwich, London, in 1979, a time when bigotry and racism were still rife. There are some hard-hitting moments throughout that still ring true today. David meets carefree Maxie Boswell (Joseph Vella), who will play Bill Sykes in the school play. There is an instant attraction that fuels the outrage of the people around them, not least the school football coach Bob Lord (Richard Meek), who is determined to stop the show going ahead. In order to try to stop everyone questioning his sexuality, David pretends to date Abigail Henson (Daisy Greenwood), who has the extra catchy tune ‘Abigail Henson’ sang about her at the start of Act 2.
The songs throughout range from feel good toe-tappers to touching, often heartbreaking songs. ‘About Six Inches From Your Heart’, sang with pitch perfect vocals by Rebecca Trehearn, drew tears as well as cheers from the crowd. While Paige Peddie excels in all her solo songs, especially her turn as Donna Summer, which showcased her amazing vocal talents. A special mention must be given to Stephen Ashfield, Rebecca Trehearn and Genevieve Nicole, who play dual roles within the show, as Sting, Debbie Harry and Kate Bush, who come to life from the posters on David’s wall to give him guidance throughout. The subtle mannerisms of the pop star they are portraying during the song ‘You Do You’ drew much laughter and was definitely one of my favourite parts.
The applause, cheers and prolonged standing ovation when the show came to an end is testament to how entertaining this show is. Although it features a very strong ensemble cast who all deserve praise, I would say Joseph Peacock and Paige Peddie stole the show with their performances. Hopefully, this show will get the chance to tour the UK, so more people get the chance to experience a show that is funny, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking in equal measure.