Step into the vibrant world of 1979 East Dulwich and prepare to be swept away by the joyous new musical, ‘Becoming Nancy’, now playing at The Birmingham Rep until November 2nd 2024. This UK premiere, based on Terry Ronald’s best-selling novel, is a delightful coming-of-age tale that will leave you tapping your toes and wiping away tears of both laughter and emotion.
At the heart of this feel-good story is David Starr, a talented sixth-former with a wild imagination and a vocal range to die for. When David is unexpectedly cast as Nancy in the school production of ‘Oliver’; his world is turned upside down. As Terry Ronald, the show’s creator, reveals, “It’s quite overwhelming in some ways. I was sitting there watching preview last night and I’ve got used to it in some ways on a day-to-day working basis. I’ve got used to it but it still is overwhelming to think oh my god this is just a little thing. I sat in my office and wrote this story.”
The show tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself, all set against the backdrop of a time when pop music was at its most diverse and exciting. Ronald’s own experiences heavily influenced the story, as he shares, “A lot of these things did happen to me, it was based on what happened to me when I was a kid. I didn’t play Nancy in the school play because although I was a good singer I was too scared to do that because my school was quite a rough kind of school.”
Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (known for hits like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Kinky Boots’), ‘Becoming Nancy’ boasts a stellar creative team. The show features smash-hit songs by George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, Elliot Davis, and Terry Ronald himself. “I wanted to write the story and I couldn’t write a story about, you know, I was a bit younger in that year than he is. I chose that year because I love the music of that year,” Ronald explains, highlighting the importance of the era’s soundtrack to the narrative.
Audiences are raving about the production, with one attendee exclaiming, “I implore everyone to go and experience the PURE JOY!” Another described it as “Beautifully acted, great original songs, and a feelgood factor through the roof.” The show’s ability to balance humour with touching moments is a testament to the creative team’s skill and Ronald’s personal connection to the material.
Ronald’s journey from pop star to best-selling author to musical creator is nothing short of inspirational. He reflects on the process, saying, “It’s a long time, it’s 10 years later. We did it in Atlanta in 2015. It’s a very different show than it is now.” This UK premiere at The Birmingham Rep represents the culmination of years of hard work and creative evolution.
The musical doesn’t shy away from addressing important issues. As Ronald puts it, “The message, I don’t know whether the message is so much about gender norms as it is just being who you are and finding a voice and being able to, you know, and coming out as much as anything.” He adds, “That strength is contagious and that love can make you brave, that’s the message of the show.”
Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming stories, catchy tunes, or simply in need of an uplifting night out, this show promises to deliver on all fronts.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this joyous experience. Book your tickets now for ‘Becoming Nancy’, playing at The Birmingham Rep until November 2nd 2024. And be sure to tune in to Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast for the full interview with Terry Ronald, where he shares even more insights into this must-see production: