Jessica Harris goes back a few decades at Birmingham Rep.
There’s a deeply moving story at the heart of this high-energy musical and it’s delivered with passion and zest by its young cast. Set in 1979, Becoming Nancy is a coming-of-age story about the courage it takes to be who you really are while, all around, there is pressure to be anything but.
The young David, played by Joseph Peacock, a wannabe singer, is coming to terms with his sexuality. As an outsider, he finds others who are in his tribe. There is Frances, played by Paige Peddie, and who is battling against racism. There is Maxie, played by Joseph Vella. Captain of the school football team, on the outside he is self-assured but, inside, he grapples with the same uncertainties as David. And, in a clever theatrical conceit, there is David’s alter-ego, represented by his idols Sting, Blondie and Kate Bush. Emerging from the posters on his wall, they interrupt the action from time to time. Their advice reveals his inner thoughts: you be you; run away; fight back.
Moments of tension between David and his parents, between the parents themselves, and between an ever-present group of homophobic racists, drive the action forward. In contrast, a scene of great tenderness between David and Maxie ends the first act, whilst in the second act, a gay-club scene replete with 70s-style dance moves, is flooded with soft lighting, its pastel colours bringing out warmth and emotion.
The first act has a couple of stand-out songs. Rebecca Trehearn, as Kath Starr, has a voice of peaches and cream as she sings About Six Inches From Your Heart, whilst Joseph Peacock and Joseph Vella slow the tempo down and soften the mood in their duet Is This Something? Otherwise, in the first half, voices sometimes sound raucous, and some songs blend into each other. It takes the second act for the music to find its feet. Voices become more nuanced and, with a greater focus on solos and duets, songs are more differentiated.
On the Night Bus is delivered with great soul by Daisy Greenwood as Abigail and Genevieve Nicole as Aunt Val. Paige Peddie comes into her own in a powerful performance of Ready to be Touched. The final number, Have You Ever Had A Love Like This?, is also led by her. With her sparkling costume and command of the stage, we are left with the feel-good factor we’ve been expecting all along.
Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes. Costumes, loud in colour and zany in pattern, speak of the times, but subtle stage lighting ensures they don’t jar. David’s costume as he takes on the part of Nancy in the school production of Oliver! The Musical is a ruby red which works a treat, making a statement without being overly garish. Dancing is at its best in gig and club scenes, when the mood of the period is recreated. The set has some nice visual references to the times, from the 1970s kitchen which slides out, to the pigeon coop used to represent the traditional values of David’s father.
Becoming Nancy is an adaptation of the novel by Terry Ronald. The book was by Elliot Davis. It was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. Music was by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, with additional songs by Elliot Davis, Terry Ronald and George Stiles. Costume designer was Jean Chan, lighting designer was Philip Rosenberg and set designers were David Rockwell and TJ Greenway.
Becoming Nancy is at the Rep until 2nd November. For further information see birmingham-rep.co.uk.
Pics – Mark Senior.