Review: Bronco Billy – The Musical at Charing Cross Theatre

Wednesday, 31st January 2024 at Charing Cross Theatre, London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewer: Charlotte Dawes

From the Wild West to the West End, Bronco Billy – The Musical is a zany, uplifting comedy-drama about reinvention and following your dreams. 

Based on Clint Eastwood’s 1980 American-western comedy-drama of the same name (yes, another film-to-musical adaptation!), Bronco Billy premiered in Los Angeles in 2019. Directed by Hunter Bird, the titular Bronco Billy (Tarinn Callender) – a sharpshooting cowboy – leads a wild west traveling show accompanied by ringmaster Doc Blue (Karen Mavundukure), Lasso Leonard James (Josh Butler), clown Lefty Lebow (Henry Maynard), and husband and wife duo Joe and Lorraine (Aharon Rayner and Helen K Wint). Chocolate heiress Antoinette Lily (Emily Benjamin) seeks sanctuary from her dysfunctional family who have plans for her newly acquired inheritance. A chance encounter sees Antoinette join the western show and two worlds collide.

Music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres and additional lyrics by Michelle Brourman do well to move the story along. Particularly memorable are ‘I’m Gonna Be Strong’, where we finally see the stoic Bronco Billy’s vulnerability as he reaches a crossroads, and ‘Tomorrow Starts Today’, Antoinette’s big ‘I want’ number, which perfectly complements the competing narratives of the protagonists. With a blend of traditional musical theatre and a surprising amount of disco, it will be difficult for any viewer not to find a song they enjoy.

While the material is good, it is the gifted cast that really propels this show to greatness. Tarinn Callender’s Bronco Billy is confident yet complex, which, blended with his remarkable vocals, makes for a commanding performance. Emily Benjamin is one of those performers you struggle to take your eyes off, and her Antoinette Lily is no different. Beyond her enchanting acting, Benjamin is an absurdly talented vocalist, so it’s no surprise to see her step into a lead role following a triumphant run as alternate Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Klub. The ensemble cast adds vibrancy to the group numbers, yet they also shine in solo pieces. A standout performance comes from Josh Butler as the charming Lasso Leonard James. Butler is no doubt one to watch.

Dennis Hackin’s clever adaptation doesn’t shy away from being silly, and this element is best embraced by comedy powerhouse Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. Antoinette’s somewhat stereotypical money-hungry stepmother, Constance Lily, could have been played in a number of ways, but Hamilton-Barritt’s scene-stealing portrayal seems hard to beat. For reference, think Cilla Black mixed with Liza Minelli. What makes Hamilton-Barritt such a stellar performer is her ability to use small but exaggerated movements and expressions to build a unique character, which, coupled with her superb voice, means she never misses.

It would be remiss not to commend the inspired staging by Amy Jane Cook. The Charing Cross Theatre isn’t the biggest stage, but Cook successfully adds depth with a revolving set piece that is artfully dressed and repositioned to allow for slick scene changes. With an ambitious number of illusions in this piece, there is going to be room for things to not go according to plan. Some of the show’s tricks will need some refinement but will no doubt get ironed out as the show progresses.

Bronco Billy – The Musical feels like a show that will only get better with age as the cast really gets into their roles and add polish. That said, even in its current form, it showcases both the well-established and emerging talent we have in the West End through the lens of a fun, unconventional show that shoots and hits its target.

Bronco Billy – The Musical is at Charing Cross Theatre until April 7th 2024 – more information and tickets can be found here.