Firstly this show comes with a number of warnings…..“Age guidance 14+ (No Under 2s). Contains strong language, adult themes, strobe lighting and bangs. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.”I would also like to add that there should be a public health warning that you are going to laugh out so loud that it actually will hurt! Seriously!

From start to finish, this hysterically funny production of The Book of Mormon (from the creators of the hit cartoon “South Park” – Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez who is the co-writer of Avenue Q and Frozen) is a masterpiece of writing and musical comedy.Never before have I been in so much pain from laughing at a musical.The story follows the “misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s as far from Salt Lake City as you can get”It is clear why this musical is a sell-out hit all over the world and I would highly recommend watching it if you can get hold of tickets!

After completing their brief missionary training, we say “Hello” to, and are transported with both Elder Price (Robert Colvin) and Elder Cunningham (Connor Peirson) to a far flung country that is in the grips of a number of humanitarian crisis. Here they are tasked with spreading the Mormon word and recruiting the local villagers into their Latter Day Elder’s church.Everything else that happens after their arrival has to be seen to be believed, and I wont give any more spoilers on the plot of the show other than the production is absolutely jam packed with a genius script, catchy songs and very clever choreography!

Both Colvin and Peirson give outstanding performances in what is an extremely fast paced production, and as a pair, their comedy timing with each other is spot on! Delivering excellent vocals throughout, they both lead in this musical and keep their energy at a constant high.Aviva Tulley takes on the role of the sweet but strong willed Nabulungi, who becomes the stepping stone for the missionaries, giving them the attention of the locals. Tulley herself delivers a very strong performance and some powerful vocals with ease. Playing her protective father, Ewen Cummins gives us an incredibly funny and likeable Mafala Hatimbi.Like a golden thread of high camp and outrageousness through the heart of this production, Jordan Lee Davies brings us Elder McKinley and Moroni. Just when you think this show couldn’t get any funnier, Davies walks onto the stage and you are instantly hooked on him.

Perfectly cast, this show is worth watching just for a glimpse of the talent that is Jordan Lee Davies. One thing that is evident in this production is that the full ensemble are pushed to the absolute max from start to finish with the superb staging, vocals and choreography, and together they all deliver a stellar performance.

Whilst the lead characters are all brilliant, what is going on behind them is equally as magical. Each and every cast member has their well-earned moment in this production, but together as a talent, they will have you gripped and doubled over laughing.

I started this review with a warning, and I will end it with one too. There are some very serious topics covered in this story, and whilst it is done beautifully and coated in comedy, these horrendous things are still happening out there in the world and we all need to stand together to stop them. You will laugh, I can guarantee that, but don’t ignore the messages being sent to us through this genius piece of art….and as they say in the show “don’t believe everything you read on Facebook!

“Hello!The Book of Mormon is currently playing at Palace Theatre Manchester until 1st January 2022, and then continues on its UK tour.

Review by Glen Clancy