Everything you need to know before seeing The Book of Mormon:
- Where: The Prince of Wales Theatre, W1D 6AS
- Duration: Two hours and 20 minutes, including a 15-minute interval.
- Performance times: Monday – Saturday: 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday: 2:30pm.
- Age recommendation: Children under 16 years ago must be accompanied by an adult as the show contains explicit language.
- Audience: Great for comedy fans and those with a taste for satire.
- Tickets: Secure your seats now to see The Book of Mormon musical comedy
The Book of Mormon, more than a musical it’s a cultural phenomenon
Hailed as one of the funniest musical comedies ever, I was not prepared for the raucous night I had watching The Book of Mormon. This award-winning musical has won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and four Olivier Awards in 2014, including Best New Musical. It received a rapturous round of applause across the board. Created by South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q's Robert Lopez, this outrageous musical is still a top hit in London's West End, celebrating 12 years in theatreland this year.
Did you know?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, originally purchased three full pages of adverts in the program for the touring production of The Book of Mormon. The ads emphasised the entertainment value of the musical in bold text, while also reminding people that the book would change their lives – a nod to the musical's hit songs.
Religion and pop culture – a match made in heaven
Hailed as one of the funniest musical comedies around, I was not prepared for the raucous night I had watching The Book of Mormon. Having listened to the soundtrack of The Book of Mormon exhaustively, I can say with confidence that the opening scene is nothing short of a showstopper – I had to restrain myself from joining in! As the first notes played, I thought there could be no better song with which to start: "Hellooooo!" This book will change your life!
As Mormon apprentices appear on stage, books in hand, bells ringing - a strident "Hello!" pulls us in. Meanwhile, the elders put on their best behaviour, when Elder Cunningham, eager to make his mark, shouts that he has a free book written by Jesus – slightly diverging from the approved story, much to the audience's delight.
The Book of Mormon – what it’s about and highlights
They're the most unlikely pair you'll ever see! Cunningham is about as awkward as they come and is in complete awe of Elder Price, who is extremely confident and thinks he's a godsend (in tune with the song “You and Me”, but mostly “Me”). He's over the moon about the chance to fulfil his life's purpose, and at the top of his wishlist is being sent to Orlando's glitzy world!
Instead, the two missionaries are sent to a small Ugandan village controlled by a group of mercenaries. Their families see them off, but not before Mrs Brown performs a comical farewell inspired by The Lion King. However, Africa is nothing like The Lion King, as the two elders are about to discover.
The pair – one set on following the rules of The Book to the letter, and the other clumsy with a tendency to create his own version of reality – land in Uganda. Here, they face local guerrillas on their way to meet fellow Mormons who have had little success in converting the locals. The elder in the group seems unbothered about their failure to convert, and waves away concerns, saying “Switch it off”, going from hellish thoughts to extreme happiness, or rather “gayness”, if we dare say so, sporting dazzling pink disco outfits.
Elder Cunningham, who starts out as the underestimated, insecure second to Elder Price, is the rising rock star of the show. He comes to the villagers' rescue with an extremely funny scene, which reaches its peak when the villagers, led by Nabulungi (who is also called many other names throughout the show, including Neutrogena and Nigel Farage), give their own interpretation of the newly adopted religion, much to the audience's roaring laughter.
Final verdict? The Book of Mormon is a must-see!
Show-stopping numbers, great vocals and a host of satirical moments playing on offensive, yet comical current events, are paired with heartwarming scenes, showing the musical's constant evolution with its times. This blend of humour and heart leads to moments of astonishment and uncontrollable laughter, which have made the show a global hit.
There is no other musical quite like it: inappropriate at times, yet full of humorous moments and a powerful message for everyone. It is a fearless musical that encourages everyone to believe in their ability to fulfil their dreams.
Book your tickets now for The Book of Mormon and prepare for a night of non-stop hilarity.
Make the most of your visit
The Prince of Wales Theatre is conveniently located on the edge of Leicester Square and Chinatown, offering a wide range of gourmet dining options for a pre-theatre meal.
Try Chinese-style street food at Kung Fu Burger, a tiny hole-in-the-wall eatery serving a variety of fillings, from shredded pork belly to hoisin duck, in flaky pastry buns that are perfect for eating on the go.
Or head to Kung Fu Noodle, the first restaurant in Chinatown with an open noodle kitchen, and watch the chef hand-pull noodles for a variety of dishes from China's Gansu province.
Alternatively, sample South American flavours at Leicester Square Kitchen, which boasts a vibrant fusion menu of Mexican and Peruvian dishes that play on tradition and innovation, with options ranging from empanadas to chargrilled cabbage steak and sea bass ceviche.
More London Theatre reviews
Make the most of your visit to London's West End by attending the must-see productions that are making headlines. Read our recent reviews of productions such as The Devil Wears Prada, making waves on the runway to My Neighbour Totoro, which features award-winning puppetry, bringing the world of Ghibli to life. Not to mention the absolute showstopper that is Back to the Future: The Musical.