The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre *****

Ever since this show first arrived on the West End, I have always wanted to go. However, extortionate prices have prevented me from seeing this critical acclaim. Two years later, after having the soundtrack playing on repeat in the meantime, I finally got a ticket as the best birthday present ever. After failing to win tickets at the lottery and sizing up how many of my belongings I would need to sell to get a seat, I finally had one! Despite this, would the show meet my exceedingly high expectations.

I needn't have worried. The show is a magical romp and I loved every minute of it. From tap dancing Mormons to a book being placed somewhere quite uncomfortable, this show has well deserved it's 2 year residency at the Prince of Wales. It has not just relied on a readymade storyline from a film or real life event but has created a musical totally independent of any other medium. The creators of South Park, along with Robert Lopez, have created a simple story with clever and catchy melodies which pay homage to, but do not copy, the best musicals of all time with nods to Lion King, Singing in the Rain and Wicked to name but three. It has a dig at the Mormon church in a hilarious way but packs a serious message about the role of religion in modern day society. This is the third cast at the Prince of Wales but they are still so energetic, talented and fun, especially Nic Rouleau and Brian Sears as the Elders Price and Cunningham who, after performing in the show in the States, are brash and joyful in their leading roles. If you are in anyway easy to offend or find genitalia, expletives or blasphemy offensive, you should stay away but if not, you will have one of the best experiences you could ever have from commercial theatre.