I reviewed Becoming Nancy at Birmingham Rep and my heart feels like it's bursting

Sometimes there are theatre shows that are so endearing, they can’t help but hit you straight in the heart. Brand new musical Becoming Nancy - a coming of age gay-friendly comedy set in the 1970s - does just that.

Birmingham is fast becoming a hotspot for creating new musicals and the world premiere of Becoming Nancy has reinforced that message to the theatre world. Birmingham Rep is behind this feel-good adaptation of the Terry Ronald novel that feels like with a little work, it could end up as a West End show.

I caught Becoming Nancy at Birmingham Rep, where it stays until November 2. Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell has already won Tony Awards for his back catalogue of smash hits, which include Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and Hairspray, and he has dusted this show with magic too.

Taking the audience back to 1970’s London with garish costumes and cheese and pineapple hedgehogs, we find teenager David Starr, whose coming to terms with his sexuality and hoping for a big part in the school play.

When he gets picked to play the female lead of Nancy opposite the hunky new boy and football captain Maxie, it sets off a chain of events within the school and his own family that will see David finding himself and standing up to the bullies.

It may be a feel-good comedy but it doesn’t shy away from the gritty issues. His feisty best friend Frances has battles of her own against the school’s racists as a Black girl living in a time when the National Front is rife.

Despite these tough LGBTQ+ and racism topics, there’s always a healthy balance of laughs against these troubles and underlying messages of strength and unity against hatred. Providing a fantastic comic element are Sting, Blondie and Kate Bush, or rather imaginings of them by music lover David.

The trio appear from his posters to guide him through life and are an inspired, hilarious part of the show. Stephen Ashfield, Rebecca Trehearn and Genevieve Nicole double up as David’s teacher, mum and aunt as well as the rock stars.

While Paige Peddie playing best pal Frances emerges as a fabulous Donna Summer for a hugely glamorous disco number in the second act - and what a voice she has.

Talking of the newly created songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, they have given them a 1970s feel with catchy hooks and plenty of emotion.

Perfectly cast Joseph Peacock gives David vulnerability and warmth with his asides to the audience. It’s enough to get everyone caring about him from early on.

There’s a good mix of usual suspects too from the nasty school bullies to overlooked amorous schoolgirl Abigail Henson playing the ‘tart with a heart’ role. Daisy Greenwood playing her is so good that you look forward to whenever she’s on stage.

While the story is predictable, it’s endearing and the rollercoaster of emotions you’ll feel is worth the ride for the uplifting, feel-good finale. There’s a party atmosphere at the end and Becoming Nancy is guaranteed to send you home with a smile.

Both Birmingham Rep and Birmingham Hippodrome have launched campaigns to create new musicals in this city and it feels like an exciting time for the arts industry here. Becoming Nancy is the latest of what should hopefully be a long line of hits to put Birmingham on the theatre map.

Heartfelt, joyous and entertaining, Becoming Nancy will make your heart burst with hope.

Becoming Nancy continues at Birmingham Rep until November 2. Tickets cost from £15.