Outrageously funny, wildly inappropriate and completely brilliant.
It’s not often I get to review a show starring one of my past Drama students, but seeing Sam Glen storm the stage as the ritzy, lovable Elder Cunningham was a real treat. And even without the teacher bias, The Book of Mormon is an absolute triumph: slick, fast-paced and packed with belly laughs from start to finish. Having seen it on Broadway, I can confidently say this version is sharper, funnier and somehow even more outrageous.
Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the mischievous minds behind South Park), The Book of Mormon first shocked and delighted audiences back in 2011, with its mix of satire, showbiz and sheer audacity. The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, the golden boy Elder Price and the hapless but well-meaning Elder Cunningham, as they set off (reluctantly by Price) to Uganda to spread the word of their faith. Predictably, things do not go to plan. What follows is a whirlwind of cultural clashes, comedy gold and musical numbers that range from Broadway glitz to awe- inspiring African singing.
The opening number, Hello, remains one of the best musical theatre openers ever written: sharp, witty and irresistibly catchy. From that moment on, the pace never drops. Sam Glen shines as Elder Cunningham, his mix of innocence, naivety and comic timing absolutely spot on. Every entrance he makes lifts the energy, and his ability to keep the audience on his side, even when he’s hopelessly out of his depth, is just brilliant.
The production itself is huge – no expense has been spared. The costumes are crisp and cleverly characterful, while the lighting and set design are impressively slick, the whole show a West End sparkle. The ensemble are outstanding too: the choral singing in the first Ugandan scene hits with such force you can feel it in your chest, and their harmonies are tight enough to make even the most seasoned singers jealous.
Musically, it’s a rollercoaster. Turn It Off bursts onto the stage with sequins, tap shoes and pure old-school razzle-dazzle, while Hasa Diga Eebowai delivers a brilliantly irreverent blend of African rhythm and shocking lyrics (let’s just say it’s not one for the Sunday school crowd). Even the slower number, Baptize Me, manages to turn a sweet love song into something cheekily suggestive, with perfectly timed double entendres that had the audience howling.
Elder Price grows into his role as the night goes on, though there were moments early on when diction was lost behind his nasal tone, meaning some sharp jokes didn’t quite land. However, he came into his own in the second act with a brilliant character arch that wonderfully kept the story moving with energy and pace. The Mormon district leader in Uganda, Elder McKinley, was a stand out perform for me, played with an hilarious flamboyant flair which he could instantly switch on and off, highlighted with his impeccable comic timing in Turn It Off.
Nyah Nish, who plays Nabulungi, delivers a standout performance that adds real heart to the chaos. Her singing voice is simply beautiful; soft, pure and hauntingly delicate. In a show packed with outrageous humour and larger-than-life moments, her vocals bring a welcome touch of sincerity and emotion. It’s a reminder that, while The Book of Mormon is first and foremost a comedy, it’s also filled with genuinely accomplished performances that give the production its depth and balance.
Let’s be clear, this is not a show for the faint-hearted. It’s rude, offensive and gleefully inappropriate… but it’s also one of the funniest, cleverest pieces of theatre around, still drawing the audiences in after 10 years of performances. There’s something refreshing about a show that knows exactly what it is: unapologetic and utterly hilarious. And as the curtain fell, I couldn’t help but feel an enormous swell of pride, seeing one of my former students commanding a large, professional stage with such confidence and charisma was a teacher’s true joy.
Tickets aren’t cheap, and it’s a real shame that prices continue to rise when so many people are feeling the pinch. However, Leeds Grand Theatre is releasing a limited number of £15 tickets every Friday at noon — so set a reminder and grab one if you can.
After nearly two years on tour, this spectacular production is nearing its end, and it’s absolutely not one to miss. Grab your mates, leave your sensitivities at home, and prepare for a night of pure, laugh-out-loud joy. Wickedly funny, perfectly polished and gloriously inappropriate, this is musical theatre at its most memorable.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/the-book-of-mormon-2025
