Say ‘Hello’, as The Book of Mormon arrives at the Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre, Cardiff.
When The Book of Mormon exploded onto Broadway in 2011, it changed the landscape of musical theatre forever. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside Robert Lopez, the award-winning composer of Avenue Q and Frozen. The show quickly gained a reputation for its unapologetic humour, biting satire, and surprising emotional depth. It went on to win nine Tony Awards, four Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, and has been playing to sold-out audiences around the world ever since.
Now on its latest UK and Ireland tour, the production will be in Cardiff until 19th July. As ever, it brings with it a riotous blend of outrageous comedy, memorable music, and theatrical spectacle. Whether you are a newcomer or a returning fan, this version delivers a night at the theatre that is as entertaining as it is jaw-dropping.
At its core, The Book of Mormon follows two mismatched young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda. Elder Price – played with charm and vocal prowess by Adam Bailey – is a model Mormon with dreams of greatness and a placement in Orlando. Elder Cunningham, portrayed with scene-stealing energy by Sam Glen, is awkward, socially anxious, and overly imaginative. Or, if you were to ask his father, he’d say he has a “little problem”, one where he lies…all the time. Once they arrive in Uganda, they are confronted with realities far beyond their sheltered experience, including poverty, disease, warlords, and a community that has little interest in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
True to Parker and Stone’s style, the show does not shy away from controversy. It gleefully pushes the limits of political correctness, tackling subjects such as religion, race, colonialism, and sexuality with biting satire and irreverent humour. Yet, for all its crudeness and shock value, it manages to walk a fine line between mockery and affection. What emerges is a surprisingly warm and uplifting story about belief, storytelling, and connection.
The cast in this current tour is exceptional. Sam Glen shines as Elder Cunningham. His transformation from insecure outcast to local hero is hilarious and touching. Glen brings impeccable comedic timing to the role, especially during scenes where Cunningham “improvises” Mormon scripture to make it more appealing to the Ugandan villagers. His version includes tales of Joseph Smith fighting Darth Vader, God sending Frodo to Middle-earth, and bizarre claims involving frogs curing AIDS. It is completely absurd and utterly brilliant.
Adam Bailey delivers a confident performance as Elder Price. His rendition of “I Believe” is one of the standout musical moments of the show, showcasing his vocal ability while navigating the increasingly ludicrous content of Mormon doctrine with deadly earnestness. His descent from cocky overachiever to existentially lost is both funny and surprisingly sympathetic.
Nyah Nish gives a heartfelt and expressive performance as Nabulungi. Her character’s optimism and longing for a better life provide emotional weight amidst the satire. Her duet with Cunningham, “Baptise Me”, is filled with double meanings and awkward charm. Later in the show, her sombre reprise of “Hasa Diga Eebowai” is deeply affecting, revealing the disillusionment beneath her earlier hope.
Tom Bales brings flair and polish to Elder McKinley, delivering the iconic number “Turn It Off” with high-energy choreography and comic perfection. The tap-dancing routine is a very enjoyable sequence in the production. Including a very quick wardrobe change you don’t expect. Daniel George-Wright, playing multiple roles including Cunningham’s Dad, Joseph Smith, and the Mission President, adds further characterful humour to the ensemble.
The villagers’ “play within a play” , their chaotic, theatrical retelling of the Book of Mormon to the visiting Mission President is arguably the highlights of the entire show. With wild costumes, comically dramatic storytelling, and characters such as a fire-breathing Jesus and a frog-wielding Joseph Smith, it is a spectacle of imaginative absurdity. The audience’s reaction was one of complete delight, and for many, this moment encapsulates the anarchic spirit of the production.
Visually, the staging is vibrant and slick. Scott Pask’s set design moves seamlessly from Salt Lake City to the Ugandan village, with clever use of props and backdrops to support the pacing and tone. Ann Roth’s costumes create a strong visual contrast between the buttoned-up missionaries and the colourful, culturally rich attire of the Ugandan villagers. The lighting and effects complement the show’s comedic timing without distracting from the action.
The music, under the musical direction of Maggie Yu, is performed with energy and precision. From the cheerfully robotic “Hello” that opens the show to the flamboyant nightmare sequence “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream”, each number is expertly delivered. The final reprise of “Hello”, now sung by the villagers from their own revised scripture — “The Book of Arnold” — is a triumphant and clever conclusion that reinforces the show’s central message: belief can be whatever people need it to be.
Why should you see The Book of Mormon?
It is a comedic triumph from the creators of South Park, Avenue Q, and Frozen. An inspired collaboration that results in something wholly unique.
You will not find anything else like it in modern musical theatre. It is bold, bizarre, and brilliantly written.
The score is a non-stop stream of unforgettable songs, some of the finest comedy music ever composed.
You will never look at a frog the same way again… intrigued? You will need to see it to understand why.
It is, quite simply, one of the most successful and talked-about musicals of all time.
The Book of Mormon is not for the faint-hearted, nor for those who prefer their musicals to be polite and predictable. It is brash, vulgar, thought-provoking, and completely hilarious. What makes it exceptional, however, is not just the humour, but the sincerity beneath it. This production at the Wales Millennium Centre is a testament to what theatre can do when it refuses to play it safe.
Please note: this production is recommended for ages 14 and over due to strong language, mature themes, and frequent adult content.
If you are ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt and witness one of the most audacious pieces of theatre ever staged, The Book of Mormon is not to be missed.
The show will be running from 1 to 19 July 2025. Tickets are available now from the Wales Millennium Centre box office or online here.
