Charing Cross Theatre – until 7th April 2024
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
4****
Nestled in the arches underneath Charing Cross Train Station is the small and intimate Charing Cross Theatre. Away from the main stages of London’s West End, this theatre is rustic, a bit rough around the edges and the perfect setting for the Wild West. After attending the rehearsals for this show last month, I was very excited to see the final product!
Based on Clint Eastwood’s 1980 film of the same name, Bronco Billy the Musical is a wild ride about family, love, acceptance and an evil villainess plot for murder. Bronco Billy played by the incredible Tarinn Callender (Come From Away, Hamilton, The Drifters Girl) is the sharpest shooter in the West. Travelling with this troupe of performers, he is trying to make a life for his family. When heiress Antoinette Lily, played by Emily Benjamin (Bat Out of Hell, Cabaret) appears in his life after fleeing from her evil step mother, his family and heart grow a little bit bigger.
The music and lyrics creators, Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres manage to create show stopping tune from the first word! With hits like “Come Ride With Us” and “I’m Gonna Be Strong”, each musical number ensures the audience are tapping their foot along to the beat. Tarinn Callender is the star of the night! His low sweet voice bellows, sending shockwaves around the theatre, making it a pleasure to listen too. His cheeky charm and dance moves all add the infectious aurora around this actor. Each of the leads were given their moment to shine, and shine they did! Mixing Disco with the Wild West is not a genre I thought I’d ever witness, but this musical soundtrack needs to be heard to be believed! Trust me you’ll love it!
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Bat Boy, In The Heights, Grease) plays evil villainess stepmother Constance Lily. Her over the top mannerisms and acting took me by surprise at first, but turned in to a side-splitting comedy masterpiece. Victoria was missing from the rehearsals last month, and I so am glad she was. This would have ruined the surprise of her masterfully pulling off the outrageous comedic farce that unfolded on stage. It truly shows the magnitude of her acting ability to be able to over perform a role to such an extent and make it a success.
Under the proficient direction of Hunter Bird and Illusion Designer John Bulleid, the cast of Bronco Billy have expertly honed their skills for this show. On stage you can expect to see magic, illusions, lassoing and gun slinging, all performed almost flawlessly by this talented cast.
Bronco Billy the Musical is a bit rough around the edges, with multiple mishaps happening throughout the show. Props misbehaving, a badly placed cactus which became a triphazard and although not planned, added to the charm of this show. With a few fine tweaks this show could be huge. These little details did not distract from the fact that Bronco Billy the Musical is a sure-fire, gun-slinging, Wild-West Disco Rodeo not to be missed!