Theatre review: The Book Of Morman still provides a few chuckles
A scene from The Book of Mormon.
★★★★☆
What do Nadine Coyle, Nigel Farage, and Nutella have in common? They all share the honour of being used as comically mispronounced versions of one character’s name in .
The Latter Day Saints have tap danced their way to Ireland for a month-long residency at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the touring show is proving as popular as ever, with a heaving audience on its press night ready to be entertained by the misadventures of missionaries in a small Ugandan village.
If you’re thinking of bringing a conservative-leaning plus one to this production, perhaps think again: the uber-satirical is written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creative minds behind and that brand of humour is evident throughout. You could be forgiven for thinking Eric Cartman is in the auditorium any time the character of Jesus speaks. Luckily, the long-established production’s reputation proceeds it and audiences are eager for its blend of side-splitting satire and riské humour that pokes fun at everything from religion to race to repressed feelings.
The actors shine brightest in ensemble pieces — quite literally in , where sparkly pink waistcoats and disco balls delight. However, it is , the anthem that simply exudes white saviour energy, that impresses most. It is full of humour, slick choreography, and one of the biggest cheers of the night. Since the musical’s inception it has featured a sunglasses-wearing Elder Cunningham exuding rockstar vibes and singing the line “Just like Bono, I am Africa”. In the U2 frontman’s hometown, the cheer at the utterance of his name is swift and sustained.
The bumbling but well-meaning Cunningham is played by Sam Glen who delivers a performance that is both heart-tugging and side-splitting. His comic timing in the part is perfect. He is paired for his mission with Adam Bailey as the overachieving lover of theme parks Elder Price, who balances his character’s serious sense of self-importance with a camp undertone that elevates his solo moments. However at times the audience cranes to hear some phrases, likely due to a too-quiet mic.
Just because it’s a comedy doesn’t mean is without its emotional ballads and Nyah Nish delivers a powerful performance as Nabulungi (the character whose name Elder Cunningham so struggles to remember). Her yearning is a particular stand-out.
Act one lagged in energy slightly in places and lacked that level of momentum we enjoyed in act two, though the energy in group song and dance numbers certainly ups the tempo.
The latter half of the show is its strongest: the action picks up here and the cast of villagers’ retelling of the Book of Mormon during never fails to have viewers gasping for breath amid their laughter. Musical theatre fans will recognise a nod to ’s in this number, while Elder Price’s earlier ballad briefly references from , both fun Easter eggs to watch out for.
The musical turns 14 this year and, while some of its edgy punchlines do feel a little dated now, it still has audiences chuckling as they leave the theatre.
- runs until May 3 in Dublin, see bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
