Curve Theatre Leicester – Until 26th July 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
Nerds is a brilliantly clever and completely original musical which follows maverick tech moguls Bill Gates and Steve Jobs as they rise to greatness. Reimagining their ‘origins’ story, in the most madcap fashion, we meet the trailblazers at different moments in their lives where they compete, compute and clash as they attempt to revolutionise civilization with their inventions. Not adverse to some underhand tactics, abandoning their friends, and turning the head of IBM into a crackhead, the fame and power is almost all consuming until they finally come to their senses and see the light…saber.
Nerds is hilariously funny, fast paced and fantastically entertaining. With music by Hal Goldberg and book and lyrics by Jordan Allen-Dutton and Erik Weiner, the comedy is perfection. It comes at you in many forms, physical, verbal, nuanced and through the obvious joy which radiates from the small but mighty cast. Every song is a belter and helps move the story forward. Bursting with ballads, tangos, gospel numbers, rap battles and heartfelt duets, the musical elements are as compelling as the comedy. Nick Winston’s directing and choreography are a triumph. Each scene and song are visual delights. What really works is the fact that it’s quite low tec in its presentation. The simplicity of the set and props means that the story and performances shine. Set in front of a giant mother board, the stage has three tower racks chock full of tech which are seamlessly maneuvered by the cast to transform into a variety of locations. Set and costume designer Sophie Pardon works magic by never compromising on quality yet ensuring the cast can execute quick changes which are needed quite regularly throughout the show.
Dan Buckley, as uptight Bill Gates is fabulous. He navigates Gates’ development from nerd to fanatic to despot with flair. His poignant performance of ‘I’m just a Nerd’ stilled the audience. Kane Oliver Parry as hippy lothario Steve Jobs is hysterical. Random unsolicited stretching and the trademark polo neck, his email to God a particular highlight. Keep an eye out for the most glorious cat splits. Their hard-done-by business partners, Steve Wozniak and Paul Allen are played excellently by Ethan Pascal Peters and Elliot Evans. Also doubling as the ensemble, they beautifully balance out their counterparts. They are thrown around, verbally shot down and treated like general dogs’ bodies, both completely convincing in their humiliation. Pascal Peters facial expressions and his relationship with his hamster are particularly enjoyable.
Elise Zavou and Teleri Hughes as love interests Sally and Myrtle, juxtapose wonderfully with the woeful men. While the men are obsessed with possessing more and more, the women want to make meaningful changes to the world and hold on to morality in the face of money. Their duet about the crazy code of love is incredible. Using binary code as harmony is genius. Julie Yammanee as the afore mentioned head of IBM – Tom Watson, and various other roles is a joy to watch. She embodies every character with aplomb. Curtis Patrick as Dustin/Henchman and Ensemble guy is a hoot, efforting endlessly to give his all to every bit part, thus bringing the production together. The cast as a whole are tremendous. Faultless in their performances and banding together dexterously as a team to pull off this speedy show. It’s such a delight to watch something new and so well put together.
With flavours of Hamilton, Book of Mormon and Operation Mincemeat, yet completely holding its own, this show is a smash hit. Performances on point, sublime singing voices, and did I mention it was funny? I was left wanting more. Nerds heads to Edinburgh Fringe after this limited run, I truly hope this production is expanded and tours as there are plenty of easter eggs and relentless gags that warrant a second byte, or even a third.