Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical

Review of ‘Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical’ 
By Kelly Jobanputra

  

An extremely polished musical which depicted the doomed romance of Bonnie and Clyde was performed in Swindon last night.

 
We’ve all heard of the story of this famous deadly duo but Theatre Ink really brought the facts to life in an engaging and entertaining way when they put on a performance at Ridgeway School in Wroughton.
 

Having never seen this performing arts group at work before, I was completely blown away (pun intended) by the acting and singing skills of every single cast member.

 

 
In particular, it is hard to believe that the part of Clyde was played by a 17 year old. Ryan Walters had a stage presence that was way beyond his years. Not only did he not miss a note during all of his numbers, but he also had the desired American twang down to a fine art.
 

His acting was really quite superb and he really stood out as a star to keep tabs on in the future.

 
Dee Austin, who played the part of Bonnie Parker, was also an attention grabber from the very start. She has been a member of Theatre Ink since it first formed in 2008 and she has obviously been taught well over the years because her presence could easily lead her to the West End one day.

 
Lisa Aust, who played the part of Blanche Barrow, was equally as talented and her character led her to draw on a range of emotions. Lisa’s injection of humour throughout the show got laughs in all the right places but she also made you feel empathy towards her ‘tied up with the law’situation.

 

 
A fantastic band accompanied all of the on stage talent and deserve their own mention. Featuring a range of instrumentalists, including keyboardists and a violinist to name a couple, they helped make the performance the success that it was.

 
They provided a dramatic backdrop to the entire production, which coupled with the slides on the wall, had the desired impact on the senses.

 
After seeing this, I have to say that I am now a fan of Theatre Ink and can’t wait for their next production - which will be ‘Avenue Q’.

 
They really are a fine example of local talent at its best and Swindon is lucky to have them.

 
Bonnie and Clyde is also on at Ridgeway School tonight (Friday 31st October) and Saturday (1st November).