Becoming Nancy
posted 7th November 2024
Based on Terry Ronald’s bestselling 2012 novel, Becoming Nancy was inspired by Ronalds real life experiences in the late 1970s.
Opening night of Becoming Nancy, the auditorium was buzzing. It was packed and there was a real sense of excitement which increased as the cast came on stage. David Starr played by Joseph Peacock invites the audience into his world with ease. He provides an insightful and comic narration of his daily life with best mate Frances Bassey played by Paige Peddie, describing the frustrations and challenges of each day at school until he meets sensitive new boy Maxie.
Music is used to make this story relevant today. Typically as a blind person watching musicals I spend the first act relying on songs to guide me through the storyline and trying to recognise characters by their voices and (in my eyes) very fuzzy body shapes which I may struggle to work out depending on the set design coiours and lighting choice. Careful consideration has been made with costume, stage design and lighting as they did not clash or disappear into the distance. Becoming Nancy felt crisp and clear. There was such a mix of different body shapes which meant I was able to work out who was who, even during the beautifully choreographed dance numbers. I was particularly drawn to Starr's mother who expresses her love for her son through the song six inches. It's a heart wrenching piece showing that no matter the daily struggles his mum will always be there for him. The relationship she has with her sister Val, highlights the barriers women were experiencing in the 1970s but these two women will not be defeated by those expectations.
Starrs father is not as heart warming. His determination to distance himself from hostilities at home by the pub and his pigeons feeds into the negativity Starr is experiencing at school. He is not able to find refuge anywhere but support comes as with many teens in the music he is listening too, I advise you to keep a look out for Kate Bush and an exciting trip to Brighton. Starr and Paddie are treated and made to feel in Becoming Nancy similarly to young people being bullied online. INot much seems to have changed except how these messages are communicated.
Becoming Nancy is a stunning musical, which draws audiences in with believable characters that are just as relevant today as the 1970s. The Rep has designed this production to be visually stimulating for people who rely on visuals and audio. It’s message is on to think of long after you’ve left the theatre.