A huge sidestep from the more traditional Christmas offering of light and frothy pantomime fare, The Book Of Mormon is certainly not for the easily offended or kakologophobes amongst us. It does, however, make for a thoroughly entertaining evening, albeit one that tests your moral compass to its very limit with its wall-to-wall risque humour.

Penned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone - in collaboration with Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez - the show’s narrative follows the adventures of two mismatched Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to spread the word of the Latter Day Saints. However, their teachings fall on deaf ears in the remote village to which they travel, a place where war, famine, poverty, HIV/Aids, female genital mutilation and child molestation are all far more pressing issues.

From an early age, Elder Price (Adam Bailey) has dreamt of fulfilling his mission in Orlando, whilst geeky and film-obsessed Elder Cunningham (Sam Glen) is content with gaining a new ‘bestie’. The chalk-and-cheese pairing is delightfully endearing.

While Price is devout in his faith, Cunningham’s lack of knowledge of The Book of Mormon (he’s never read it because it’s boring) results in him spreading misinformation in order to convert the villagers. A fantasy-laden interpretation, featuring film references and a ‘frog’, ensues (Darth Vader and Yoda make an appearance), and although the villagers aren’t entirely convinced, they go along with it, meaning the missionaries manage to meet their baptism quota...         

Packed with punchy musical arrangements throughout, The Book Of Mormon holds you firmly in its grasp, from opening number Hello - where we’re introduced to the show’s Mormon fraternity - through to Tomorrow Is A Latter Day, in which the Mormons and villagers come together to express their hope for a better future. 

In between, we have ballads in which Elders Price and Cunningham share their aspirations, and a couple of real stand-out numbers: Hasa Diga Eebowai (a swear-laden parody of The Lion King) and Spooky Mormon Hell Dream - via which we indulge in Elder Price’s nightmare in hell, where Adolph Hitler, Genghis Khan and Jeffrey Dahmer reside (it’s scary to think you could go to hell for sneakily indulging in a late-night maple-covered doughnut!). Turn It Off, a crazily camp number in which we’re told it’s bad to lie - and wrong to be gay - is another highlight. 

Both leads (Bailey and Glen) display impeccable vocals, as does Nyah Nish, whose performance as Nabulungi is sublime. The character’s name is the cause of much hilarity throughout the show, as Elder Cunningham innocently and repeatedly pronounces it incorrectly. ‘Neutrogena’, ‘Nuttella’ and ‘Nigel Farage’ are among his many attempts!  

Dance routines (there are plenty of jazz hands) put the immensely talented ensemble through their paces. The performances are faultless, each and every cast member shining brightly as they take on numerous roles.  

Outrageously funny, crazy and creative, The Book Of Mormon is a guilty pleasure that leaves you wanting more. A return visit is most definitely needed - just in case you missed something first time round.

Five stars

Reviewed by Patsy Moss at The Alexandra, Birmingham, on Wednesday 4 December. The Book Of Mormon continues to show at the venue until Saturday 28 December.