When you begin with a ground-breaking book by Sam Selvon, then you can only hope that a stage version will come somewhere close to the power of the original. This production from the Kiln Theatre, and originally the Jermyn Street Theatre, does it complete justice. Rarely does such a mix of music, movement and drama, including haunting monologues, work as one But, here is a production that blasts the senses and leaves you knowing what theatre is truly about.

There is a braveness to the direction by Ebenezer Bamgboye and the adaptation by Roy Williams that completely enthrals. It’s a story of survival and fight against oppression faced by new colonial citizens that have been drawn to a promised land of gold paved streets, and a better life. What makes this a most rewarding story is that it also a love affair with the city itself. From one character’s delightful mispronunciation of place names to the central characters mission to help those adapt to the cold and at times cruel city.

The story centres around 4 men all with very different problems and reasons to come to the the Capital. Moses (Solomon Israel), Lewis (Tobi Bakare), Big City (Gilbert Kyem Jnr) and fresh off the boat Galahad (Romario Simpson) All have their battles and different weapons they employ and subsequently relinquish at the moving climax to the story. All four actors are exceptional as to are the women in their lives Christina (Aimee Powell), Agnes (Shannon Hayes) and Tanty (Carol Moses). It would be totally wrong not to mention every single one as this is such a fantastic ensemble piece.

Praise must also be given to Laura Ann Price and Elliot Griggs for the staging and lighting that was stripped back but so perfect. At times the blinding lights being a metaphor for the city, but more impressively the way people were blind to the racism. Add to this the incredibly energetic and balletic movement by Nevena Stojkov and the whole thing becomes a mesmerising feast for the senses.


Photo credit: Steve Gregson

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