The Book of Mormon has arrived at Hull New Theatre as part of its UK tour, bringing with it the perfect blend of outrageous humour, toe-tapping tunes, and razor-sharp satire. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, this multi-award-winning musical has continued to shock, entertain, and delight audiences across the world. Now, the people of Hull have the chance to experience a show that is as brilliantly offensive as it is hilariously entertaining.
From the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q and Frozen, this is a show that pulls no punches. It is unapologetically crass, irreverently funny, and yet, beneath all the chaos, surprisingly heartfelt.
At its core, the story follows Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, two young Mormon missionaries sent on what they believe to be a life-changing mission to Uganda. Price is the picture-perfect Mormon – ambitious, confident, and eager to impress. Cunningham, on the other hand, is socially awkward, prone to exaggeration, and completely unprepared for the journey ahead. However, when the two arrive, they are met not with eager converts, but a village grappling with poverty, disease, and oppression under a ruthless warlord.
What follows is a riotous clash of cultures, where religion, hope, and reality collide in the most unexpected ways. As Price struggles to maintain his faith, Cunningham, through his unique approach to storytelling, manages to forge connections with the villagers – albeit in ways the Mormon church would never approve of.
Adam Bailey delivers a standout performance as Elder Price. His ability to capture the self-absorbed enthusiasm of the character, combined with his vocal talent, is nothing short of brilliant. Numbers like I Believe highlight his ability to blend comedy and sincerity, making Price’s gradual meltdown both hilarious and strangely moving. Sam Glen as Elder Cunningham is pure comedic gold. His energy is infectious, and his ability to play the loveable oddball is flawless. His performance is packed with charm, and his interactions with the Ugandan villagers, particularly Nabulungi, are among the show’s most endearing moments.
Speaking of Nabulungi, Nyah Nish brings warmth and heart to the role. While the show is packed with satire, her performance grounds it, providing moments of genuine emotion amidst the chaos. Her rendition of Sal Tlay Ka Siti is beautifully performed, offering a rare but much-needed moment of sincerity.
Visually, this production is stunning. From the pristine, crisp Mormon missionary uniforms to the vibrant, earthy tones of the Ugandan village, the costume design immediately sets up the stark contrast between the two worlds. The set design is equally effective, effortlessly transporting the audience from Salt Lake City to Uganda with seamless transitions.
Then there’s the choreography. Numbers like Turn It Off and Spooky Mormon Hell Dream explode onto the stage with precision, energy, and an abundance of humour. The ensemble cast is impeccably synchronised, adding to the show’s dynamism and impact.
Of course, a musical is nothing without its songs, and The Book of Mormon’s score is as catchy as it is cleverly written. Tracks like Hello! immediately set the tone, Man Up is packed with comedic energy, and Hasa Diga Eebowai delivers a satirical gut punch wrapped in a feel-good melody.
It would be impossible to discuss The Book of Mormon without addressing its controversial nature. This is a show that fearlessly satirises religion, race, sexuality, and Western ignorance, often crossing the line of what many would consider acceptable. However, it does so in a way that never feels malicious. Instead, it exposes flaws in organised religion, challenges cultural stereotypes, and ultimately celebrates human resilience.
While the humour is undoubtedly crude and shocking, it is also incredibly smart. Beneath the unapologetic vulgarity, The Book of Mormon presents a message about faith, adaptation, and the power of storytelling. It asks important questions about the narratives people hold onto and the lengths they will go to in order to find meaning in a chaotic world.
Hull audiences embraced the madness, roaring with laughter throughout the performance. From the very first “Hello!”, it was clear that the crowd was in for something special. By the time the curtain closed, the audience erupted into a standing ovation, proving that this show remains as electrifying and relevant as ever.
While The Book of Mormon is not for the easily offended, it is undoubtedly one of the funniest, most daring musicals ever written. Those who enter with an open mind and a good sense of humour will be rewarded with an unforgettable theatre experience.
Hull New Theatre has hosted a comedy masterpiece. This production is slick, sharp, and spectacularly funny, delivering a show that is as outrageous as it is intelligent. It is a must-see for musical theatre fans, comedy lovers, and anyone willing to embrace the chaos of a show that refuses to hold back.
Whether it makes you laugh, cringe, or question everything you thought you knew, one thing is certain: The Book of Mormon is unlike anything else in modern theatre. If you have the chance to see it while it’s in town, grab a ticket and prepare for an evening you won’t forget.
The Book of Mormon runs at Hull New Theatre from March 6 to March 22, 2025, as part of its UK tour. Tickets are available through the theatre’s box office.