Light, colourful, clean cowboy musical Bronco Billy is now playing at Charing Cross Theatre. A musical version of the 1980 Clint Eastwood western, we follow the antics of a wild west stage troupe as they “follow their dreams” to California.
The ensemble work, lighting and choreography are bright and uplifting and the audience start the show with broad smiles – perhaps the first clue that this will be a more saccharine version than Eastwood’s.
The musical is charming with strong performances by Tarinn Callender and Emily Benjamin. Karen Mavundukure gives a sassy, strong performance (so much so that I thought she was also in a relationship with Bronco and was waiting for some “you stole my man” fisticuffs which never ensued).
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt predictably steals even the smallest scene as the wicked stepmother and it would be worth the ticket price just to see her in action.
There is much to enjoy in this production but those seeking some dusty cowboy melancholy may be disappointed.
Have others seen Bronco Billy? What were your thoughts?
Red Bus Londinium Life 
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