both at the end. Kat Rawling (Bonnie) and Kieran Picken (Clyde) step into the adult shoes and take over the titular roles, commanding the stage throughout. Kat’s interpretation of the ill-fated Bonnie who cannot resist the charms of Clyde was excellent – driven by her dreams to be an M.G.M. star and anxious to do the right thing by her mother (beautifully played by Janine Royle). She battled with her instincts to keep away from Clyde when she saw her life swirling downwards into criminality but couldn’t resist his charms. This was a performance of vivacity, depth and tenderness. Kat has a stunning voice, which thrilled from the start with “This World Will Remember Me” and brought us to tears with her tender rendition of “Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad”. Kieran was her perfect partner offering us a strong and rich characterisation of Clyde. Another talented and versatile vocalist who delighted us with powerful performances such as “Raise a Little Hell” and warmed us with renditions of his love songs. Kieran was able to draw convincingly the complex nature of Clyde which I think Don Black wanted us to see. His portrayal in the Jail scene after suffering abuse from a fellow prisoner was something I will long remember. Forceful and achingly sad. It was a turning point in the musical towards the dark ending we were set to witness. Cory Evans’ characterisation of brother (Buck) in the shadow of Clyde was affectionately done from the fun they had in “When I Drive”. We could sense he was both in awe, and slightly afraid, of his dominating brother. But it was in the scenes with Abbie Lloyd as his wife Blanche (who he was even more afraid of!) where he showed tenderness and, with her influence, the urge to try and reform. Abbie gave us a performance of sharp humour and grit. The slick fun in the scene “You’re Going Back to Jail” (with the well drilled ladies of the company) established the balance of their relationship. Abbie’s comic wit was complemented by a beautiful singing voice which showed us the tender side of Blanche in “That’s What You Call a Dream”. Her love for Buck never wavered, right up to the sad end. I must mention two other members of this vocally talented cast who brought the story to life through music. Namely Steve Sheppard as The Preacher who led the way (supported by Blanche and the Company) with his rich, smooth voice in the gospel
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