Review: The Book of Mormon is Still the Most Outrageous Musical Around
Ding-dong! The Mormons are back at Newcastle Theatre Royal
In 2025, most theatre-goers are probably familiar with the premise of this musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It’s become a juggernaut of a show, winning nine Tony Awards and four Oliviers, and is now a fixture of both Broadway and the West End.
Following the story of a mis-matched pair of Mormon missionaries – dispatched from Salt Lake City, Utah, to spread the word of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Uganda – there’s plenty of material here, and the funniest jokes are always at the expense of the Mormon Church (American Jesus et al).
Those who know South Park might have some idea what to expect, but those who haven’t seen it may not appreciate just how good a musical it is (aside from the shock factor). I’m accompanied by my partner, who hasn’t been to the theatre in approximately 15 years and has no idea what to expect. Well, here goes…
Yes it’s shocking (even having seen it before, some of the jokes have the power to make you snatch a shocked breath as you start, simultaneously, to laugh). And yes, there are plenty of lines you’d never dare to repeat outside the theatre – but somehow, the show still manages a feel-good factor, poking fun at each of the characters even while displaying sympathy for their various positions.
Praise must go to Nyah Nish as Nabulungi, whose voice is simply stunning and who gives a nuanced, funny performance in a complex role. Alongside her, Sam Glen shines throughout as Elder Cunningham, playing him as misguided, insecure, annoying, dorky – yet well-meaning all the same.
Meanwhile Adam Bailey plays Elder Price as slightly conceited, completely deluded and 100 percent committed to the Church of the Latter Day Saints – but clearly good-hearted beneath his pride and ambition. Special mention to the All-American Jesus, who gets many of the biggest laughs of the night with his softly-spoken delivery.
It’s a slick performance, the jokes land perfectly, and the song-and-dance numbers have real wow-factor, with multi-layered harmonies and soaring melodies. It’s fair to say that as we leave the Theatre Royal and step out into the warm evening air, my partner doesn’t really know what’s hit him – he loved every second, and is keen to return to the theatre more often after his decade-plus hiatus. It’s just a shame for him that there really is no other show like this.
