Becoming Nancy

© Mark Senior

A belated "happy trails" to the cast, crew, and creatives of Becoming Nancy, which concluded its run at the Birmingham Rep on November 2nd. I’ve been following this production closely ever since its world premiere in the US back in 2019, and the rumours surrounding its first UK run only heightened my anticipation. I was thrilled to finally have the chance to experience it for myself.

Based on the 2011 novel of the same name, Becoming Nancy tells the story of David Starr, a teenager cast as Nancy in his school’s production of Oliver! a casting choice that begins his journey of self-discovery. This coming-of-age tale, filled with humour, heart, and pathos, translated naturally into a musical format, and under the direction and choreography of Jerry Mitchell, it came to life with a vibrancy that was both charming and poignant.

Mitchell, a true master of his craft, has created a body of work that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences, and Becoming Nancy stands as another testament to his ability to craft shows that are both entertaining and emotionally impactful. His distinct creative vision is evident in every aspect of the production, from the exuberant choreography to the sharp, comedic timing. There is a palpable sense of joy and camp throughout the show, yet beneath it all runs a thread of sensitivity and heart, elevating the material in ways that are both thoughtful and fun.

Accompanied by a score from the renowned musical duo Stiles and Drewe, Becoming Nancy had big shoes to fill, but it rises to the occasion beautifully. The score blends heartfelt ballads, rousing ensemble numbers, and playful, clever tunes that complement the show’s themes perfectly. The music not only enhances the storytelling but also deepens its emotional resonance making for a well-rounded score.

While there is much to admire about Becoming Nancy, I do feel that there’s still room for development in certain areas of the plot as the show moves toward its bright future. At times, the musical attempts to juggle a variety of themes and subplots, some of which end up diluting the impact of the central narrative. This is especially evident in the second act, where several plot points feel unresolved or lose their emotional weight.

One of the primary areas where this occurs is in the overarching story of David’s experience in his school production of Oliver!, which seems to get lost in the middle third of the show. While the exploration of David’s journey to self-discovery is poignant and central to the narrative, from casting to opening night we see and hear little of this experience. Instead, we shift focus to day trips to Brighton, which, while I assume true to the novel, doesn’t always feel as integral to the musical’s central themes. This along with other subplots leads to the show meandering here, and at times, David’s journey takes a backseat to the exploration of his friends and other characters. Additional subplots that, while contributing richness and texture to the world of the production, also felt rushed, unnecessary or underdeveloped at times. The storyline involving David’s ‘girlfriend’ Abigail Henson, her struggles with boys, and the relationship dynamics of David’s parents are just a few examples of threads that, while providing some of the show’s most poignant moments—such as “On the Night Bus” and “Six Inches From Your Heart” also risk pulling attention away from the primary narrative. Similarly, the inclusion of the teachers’ political views and other peripheral characters adds layers to the story but can sometimes feel tangential, overcrowding an already complex narrative. I fully understand the creative decision to include these subplots, as they certainly bring depth to the production, adding emotional complexity and texture to the world. However, in their attempt to weave in so many different layers, the central plot sometimes gets lost amidst them, leaving the audience yearning for more focus on the key plot and the resolution of David's journey.

The one plotline that was a standout alongside David's own journey was his best friends, Frances, and her experience of racism in the school system. Highlighted further by Paige Peddie's performance, the culmination of this particular narrative i found the most impactful and moving. this was also seamlessly integrated with the central plot and the school experience for our main characters further enforcing the shows themes of embracing your differences, finding your voice, and celebrating love. Other stand out performances came from the central cast of Joseph Peacock as David Starr and Joseph Vella as Maxie Boswell who both maintained uplifting and high energy performances in what are demanding tracks physically, emotionally and vocally!

All in all, Becoming Nancy feels like a perfect example of what musical theatre can achieve in the 21st century: an innovative, inclusive, and thoroughly entertaining experience that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Despite being set in the 1970s, it’s a show that feels both timely and timeless, addressing important themes while celebrating the very things that make musical theatre so unique, its ability to lift us up through song, dance, and the pure joy of performance. I am excited to see what is next for this now award-winning production!