Review: The Book Of Mormon at Nottingham Theatre Royal

Any doubts that the smash-hit musical The Book Of Mormon has come from the minds of the South Park creators are quickly dispelled within the opening few minutes.

It has all the quirky, edgy comedy and downright weird characteristics that you would expect from the pens of Trey Parker and Matt Stone ­— but it is absolutely brilliant.

The musical has finally come to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham ­— where it runs to September 10 ­— after initially been scheduled to be staged back in 2020.

And it was certainly worth the wait.

It follows the story of two young Mormons sent out on their first mission ­— to Uganda in Africa. There they find the locals have more important things to worry about than religion, including Aids and a violent warlord.

But devout and sensible Elder Price (Robert Colvin) and his partner Elder Cunningham (Conner Peirson) who ‘has a tendency to make things up’ go about the task with vigour.

They are welcomed with open arms by their fellow Mormons in the mission, including the scene-stealing Jordan Lee Davies as closet homosexual Elder McKinley, who are struggling in their task.

Together, they try to win over the hearts and minds of the reluctant villages with help from Nabulungi (Aviva Tulley) and Mafala (Ewen Cummins).

The songs are silly and catchy and there are plenty of near the knuckle moments to make you wince before you laugh. The easily offended should definitely stay away, but for everyone else, prepare to be converted. ­— SH