Brisbane review - Bonnie & Clyde: a polished, tightly executed production

By David Wilson

Bonnie & Clyde

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Lyrics by Don Black

Book by Ivan Menchell

Directed by Kym Brown

Musical Direction by Sally Faint

Choreography and Costume Design by Julianne Clinch

Phoenix Ensemble Brisbane until 7 March 2026

https://phoenixensemble.com.au/ The Tin Shed, Brisbane

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1495114?&track=website

Ticket pricing from $38 to $45

 Photo by Creative Street

Bonnie & Clyde is a relatively new musical based on the book by Ivan Menchell, with music by Frank Wildhorn and  lyrics by Don Black. The show premiered in 2009 at the La Jolla Playhouse in California before opening on Broadway in 2011, where it received multiple Tony Award nominations. Based on the true story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the musical follows two ambitious young Texans during the Great Depression whose dreams of fame and fortune lead them down a dangerous path of crime, notoriety and ultimately legend. Blending blues, gospel and soaring musical theatre ballads, Bonnie & Clyde is both intimate and epic — a compelling story of love, ambition and consequence.

The creative team at Phoenix Ensemble has delivered a polished, tightly executed production that wonderfully captures this legendary story. Under the assured direction of Kym Brown, the storytelling is clear and compelling throughout. The staging is simple yet extremely well done, with particular creativity evident in the driving sequences which are handled with impressive theatrical flair. Julianne Clinch’s costuming is perfectly on point, capturing the period with style and authenticity, while Sally Faint’s musical direction — supported by a fabulous live band — elevates the entire production. The overall result is a very tight show that feels cohesive and confident from beginning to end.

The two central leads were outstanding. Chelsea Guard as Bonnie Parker is simply brilliant. Her performance is captivating in every respect — stunning vocals, amazing stage presence and a deserved confidence that commands attention whenever she steps on stage. Guard captures Bonnie’s ambition and vulnerability, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the woman behind the legend.

James Bird embodies Clyde Barrow with impressive physicality and strong characterisation, balancing bravado with emotional nuance. His chemistry with Guard is marvellous, and together they create a partnership that feels electric, dangerous and deeply connected. Bird’s energy, movement and sheer presence are perfectly suited to the role.

Mark James played Buck Barrow very well, with their strongest moments coming when navigating the difficult dynamic between devoted wife Blanche and impulsive brother Clyde. Ruby Thompson was simply wonderful as Blanche Barrow. Her vocals were excellent throughout and the role allowed her natural comedic tendencies to shine, while still grounding the character in emotional truth.

While the principal cast were all impressive in their own right, the strong ensemble added a wonderful depth to the show. Vocally cohesive and dramatically engaged, they helped create a fully realised world around the central characters. The intimacy of The Tin Shed — now enhanced with new first-class seating — allows the audience to feel immersed in the story, intensifying both the romance and the drama.

The cast and creatives at Phoenix Ensemble Brisbane are to be congratulated on this very entertaining and engaging production. I encourage you to see it if you can!