The Book of Mormon - UK Tour

★★★★☆

Experience the irreverent charm and musical brilliance of The Book of Mormon, a show that challenges conventions while delivering unforgettable entertainment.

Since its explosive debut in 2011, The Book of Mormon has been a theatrical phenomenon, blending near-the-knuckle humour with a surprisingly heartfelt narrative. As the 2025 UK tour graces stages across the country, this production reaffirms its status as a must-see musical, though it was not quite as polished as you’d expect of a West End replica.

The Story follows two mismatched young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, golden boy Elder Price and his socially awkward sidekick, Elder Cunningham, as they are sent to a remote village in Uganda to spread the word of their faith. Confronted by poverty, disease, and a disillusioned community facing real-world horrors, their traditional teachings fall flat. As Elder Cunningham begins to invent fantastical versions of scripture to connect with the villagers, the line between belief and fiction blurs, leading to both chaos and unexpected hope.

Under the direction of Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, the production maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly transitioning between scenes with Scott Pask's versatile set design. Ann Roth's costumes and Brian MacDevitt's lighting design contribute to the show's vibrant aesthetic, while Brian Ronan's sound design ensures audibility in both dialogue and song. The ensemble cast delivers high-energy performances, particularly in numbers like "Hello!" and "Turn It Off," where choreography and harmonies are executed with precision. Those choral harmonies throughout the show are intense, spine-tingling moments! 

Sam Glen as Elder Cunningham.

Utterly stealing the show was Sam Glen's portrayal of Elder Cunningham, a comedic tour de force. Glen's impeccable timing and endearing awkwardness breathe life into a character whose imaginative storytelling becomes central to the plot. The sheer energy and commitment invested in delivering every syllable and movement truly brought this character to life. Nyah Nish shines as Nabulungi, providing a performance that balances innocence with determination. Her solo, "Sal Tlay Ka Siti," is a standout moment, her vocals resonating with hope and longing. The chemistry between Nish and Glen adds layers to their characters' relationship, providing both humour and heart, evident in the song “Baptise me”, which is just brilliant.

Adam Bailey embodies the lead, Elder Price, with charismatic fervour, capturing the character's journey from self-assured missionary to a man grappling with doubt. His rendition of "I Believe" showcases his vocal prowess and emotional depth. However, the performance often felt a little lacklustre, with dialogue being mumbled and rushed through to get to the next song, where his vocal talents truly lie. Tom Bales as Elder McKinley was a lovely injection of camp comedy. In contrast, Kirk Patterson’s Mafala was so dry and deadpan that you couldn’t help but laugh at the delivery of every line. 

The Book of Mormon is renowned for its irreverent humour, targeting religious dogma, cultural stereotypes, and societal issues. Songs like "Hasa Diga Eebowai" and "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream" push boundaries, bringing laughter while prompting audiences to consider deeper themes. The musical doesn't merely mock; it explores the power of belief and the human need for hope and connection. However, some updates from the original production are questionable. Notably, the change from Nabulungi using a typewriter as a “texting device” to an iPad doesn’t just mute the joke; it kills it. Similarly, the constant references to Facebook are tiresome. If anything needs updating, it’s when Mutombo casually says, “I’m going to r*pe a baby”, which was met with stony silence. 

As society changes, so too does the lens through which we interpret the stories we see on stage. The Book of Mormon still stands as a masterclass in musical theatre — its razor-sharp writing, unforgettable score, and outrageous humour have earned it a place in the top tier of many theatregoers' all-time favourites. This touring production rises to the challenge brilliantly, with a dynamic ensemble and a creative team clearly working in harmony to deliver big laughs and bold performances night after night. While some of the show’s language and cultural references may be starting to show their age, its ability to provoke, entertain, and surprise is undeniable. For all its controversy, it’s a musical I’ll happily return to — even as the world around it continues to shift.