Venue: Garrick Theatre, London
Cast: Jordan Luke Gage, Frances Mayli McCann, Jodie Steele, George Maguire, Cleve September and Dom Hartley-Harris

This epic story returns to London's West End at new location, the Garrick Theatre, for an 11 week

extension. West End fans have been dying for the show to return after it's incredible London run at the Arts Theatre last year. From the staged concert, to the Arts, and now to the Garrick; all in just over a year...it's clear there's a demand for this musical in the UK! 

After seeing the run at the Arts Theatre, I was interested to see the changes that had taken place, and how different it felt moving from such an intimate theatre to a larger scale production. And while some of the leading cast members were returning, I was looking forward to seeing West End favourite, Jodie Steele, take on the role of Blanche. 

The tale of Bonnie & Clyde…as nothing rhymes with Clyde & Bonnie. If you're unfamiliar with the famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde, the musical follows the explosive story of their life of crime throughout The Great Depression. It's important to note that while the pair as portrayed as being madly in love, at no point is the crime glorified or romanticised; which I think is an achievement in itself.

Once again Frances Mayli McCann & Jordan Luke Gage take on the roles of our sociopathic lovers and remind us why the show did so well the first time around. With Gage's hauntingly dark "Raise a Little Hell" and McCann's gut-wrenching "Dying Ain't So Bad"; they are both absolute powerhouses. With both roles being so vocally demanding, it's a wonder they still had voices left after the last run! 

Gage's charmingly psychotic take on Clyde allows you to see how Bonnie allowed herself to spiral into life on the run. And McCann's arc as Bonnie, from a happy-go-lucky waitress, to a feisty and fiery outlaw, is portrayed perfectly.

I expected great things with the addition of Jodie Steele as Blanche and she didn't disappoint. While we lost "Here in Our Hearts" from the previous run, we're this time gifted a reprise of "That's What You Call a Dream", which Steele sings beautifully. She also brings the majority of the much needed humour throughout the show and her comedic timing is brilliant. 

She has a completely different take on this character from Natalie McQueen. I don’t normally like change but I was completely blown away by Jodie, from her stunning vocal range to the beautiful ripples in her voice.

What I love about this show is the diversity of the soundtrack. There aren't many shows that range from rock, to gospel, to country, to ballads - but Bonnie & Clyde makes it work. And while I did prefer the intimate setting in a smaller theatre, it does work wonderfully to see these numbers performed on a larger stage. 

I was surprised to find the children had been removed from the opening number, "Picture Show", with McCann and Gage now taking on the song themselves. We get to see the transition into them becoming

adults, which actually worked extremely well and added vulnerability to the characters in a way I hadn't seen before. 

Strap yourself in for a hell of a ride, because Bonnie & Clyde is back, bigger and better than ever! Incredible music, an exceptional cast with outstanding vocals, and an in-depth look on a story you're already familiar with - what more could you want from a West End show? Thrilling, mesmerising and non-stop action!

Book tickets to see Bonnie & Clyde the Musical at the Garrick Theatre, here.