Review by Tim Garratt
The Book of Mormon is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed musicals of the 21st century.
Written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez (co-creator of Avenue Q and a double ‘EGOT’ winner), this multi-award-winning show first arrived in Australia in 2017; it premiered at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre and ultimately played over 1,000 performances nationwide. Five years later, this smash hit is back, officially opening at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre last week.
Back in 2018, The Book of Mormon stunned Sydney audiences, including this reviewer. It shocked audiences and drew audible gasps, offering a bold and enormously entertaining experience. But much has happened in the world politically and socially since then – and even more since its original Broadway debut in 2011. So, in 2025, does it still offer the sharp, witty and resonant spectacle that made it a sensation? Absolutely.
The Book of Mormon follows two young American missionaries – Elder Price (Sean Johnston) and Elder Cunningham (Nick Cox) – as they’re sent to a Ugandan village to spread the Mormon faith. On arrival, they discover their fellow missionaries have failed to convert a single soul. But as they set out to succeed where their peers have failed, they discover the locals are disinterested in and deeply sceptical of their message. So, what will it take to reach them? And who will end up teaching whom the most valuable life lessons?
The events that unfold over The Book of Mormon’s two-and-a-half hours make for one of the funniest musical theatre works in recent memory. This show excels across the board. The music is instantly catchy and clever, propelling the plot while landing punchline after punchline – always in service of the story. There’s the trademark shock value that Parker and Stone honed on South Park, but it effectively highlights the disconnect between religious belief and the reality of lived experience. And though deeply irreverent and critical of religious dogma, the show ultimately reveals a huge heart, leaving the audience with a surprisingly uplifting, life-affirming message.
From the outset, co-directors Parker and Casey Nicholaw establish a cracking pace and maintain it throughout the show’s duration. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next, never allowing audience attention to waiver. Nicholaw’s choreography is impressive, playing a key role in amplifying the show’s camp vibe. An Act One highlight is ‘Turn if off’, which comically champions the virtues of repressing raw and inconvenient emotion. The ensemble here – and throughout the show – precisely executes the choreography, bringing energy and unwavering focus.
Leading a top-tier cast, Johnston shines as the confident, wide-eyed missionary, who is utterly convinced he’s got it all figured out, and completely unaware of what the real world is about to teach him. He nails the role, skilfully capturing Price’s naivete and misplaced confidence and showcases a sturdy tenor, especially in Act Two’s ‘I believe’. Alongside Johnston, Cox also delivers a high-calibre performance. He’s delightfully awkward and endearing as Elder Cunningham, whose compulsive fibbing fuels much of the show’s humour, and his physicality is key to conveying the character’s awkwardness.
Tom Struik is a standout as Elder McKinley, a missionary desperately trying to keep his personal demons in the closet. He lights up the stage with terrific comedic timing and confident vocals. And in their professional debut, Paris Leveque brings kindness and hopefulness to their portrayal of Nabulungi, with a vocal performance that is both strong and tender.
The score sounds excellent on opening night, powered by a tight, impeccably rehearsed band, while Scott Pask’s set and Ann Roth’s costumes ensure the show gets a tick in every box.
With its salient message about what can truly bring people together and foster community, The Book of Mormon remains a first-class musical theatre offering in 2025. It’s uplifting, wildly funny, and certainly worth seeing — though still not for the faint of heart.
The Book of Mormon is now playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. Click here for more information and tickets.
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
