The Book of Mormon follows two Mormon missionaries, Kevin Price and Arnold Cunningham, who get sent to a remote village in Uganda to spread the word of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two young Mormons find their mission rather difficult, however, as the villagers are more concerned about the various pressing issues they face, including famine, AIDS, and oppression. You’ll have to see for yourself whether Elder Price and Elder Cunningham's mission proves successful.
Who created The Book of Mormon?
The musical was created by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (who are also known for their 2004 comedy film Team America featuring a cast of marionettes) along with American songwriter of musicals Robert Lopez, who is best known for co-creating Avenue Q and composing songs for one of Disney’s highest-grossing films of all time, 2013’s Frozen. Parker and Stone saw Avenue Q in 2003, after which they met up with Lopez and began developing The Book of Mormon.
What inspired The Book of Mormon?
Trey Parker and Matt Stone have long since referenced Mormons in their work. A South Park episode entitled “All About Mormons” in 2003 aired that parodied Mormonism, though the creators admitted that it was difficult to poke fun at the religion due to how nice and good-natured Mormons are. The episode features a sub-plot about the founding of the religion by Joseph Smith and the various flaws and inconsistencies that Stan notices in the story. The episode was voted the best from the show’s seventh series and many themes were transferred into the Book of Mormon musical. The South Park creators visited Salt Lake City, Utah (a hub for the Mormon religion) and met with many current and former Mormon missionaries for research on the stage musical project.
How did the LDS Church react to the Book of Mormon musical?
Upon the musical’s premiere, an official press release from the Church of Latter-day Saints stated that The Book of Mormon might be entertaining for a day, but that the religion itself can change your life. The church used the musical’s high-profile platform to its advantage and frequently advertised in the show’s playbills with such taglines as “You’ve seen the play, now read the book” and “the book is always better.” American actor Josh Gad, who originated the role of Elder Cunningham for Broadway, stated that the show had never received a complaint from a practising Mormon who saw the show but, paradoxically, he had heard of a few people taking up the Mormon faith upon being moved by the performance.
Who stars in the West End production of The Book of Mormon?
Starring in the West End production is Blair Gibson as Elder Kevin Price, making his West End debut in the role after previously performing as Bob Gaudio in the UK tour of Jersey Boys. Connor Pierson plays Elder Arnold Cunningham, reprising his role after performing on the US tour. Paige Peddie appears as local Ugandan villager Nabulungi. Peddie has previously played Ado Annie in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma and performed in UK tours of The Lion King and Dreamgirls.
The Book of Mormon also stars Connor Burnicle as Elder McKinley, Ian Carlyle as Mafala Hatimbi, Ron Remke as Joseph Smith / Jesus / Price’s Dad / Mission President, and Matthew Elliot-Campbell as the General / Satan. Read our article to find out more about the characters in the show
What are some of The Book of Mormon's songs?
The show’s notable musical numbers include ‘All American Prophet,’ ‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,’ ‘Baptize Me,’ ‘Tomorrow Is a Latter Day’ and ‘I Believe.’ Find out more about the songs ‘tieing’ this whole hilarious musical together in our guide to the Book of Mormon songs.
Where and for how long is The Book of Mormon running?
The Book of Mormon is currently booking until 3 January 2026 at the Prince of Wales Theatre and remains one of the most popular shows in the West End.
Where to book London Book of Mormon tickets?
‘Put your worries and sorrows and your cares away,’ book your tickets now through London Theatre Direct and see The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales a latter day!