🎭 The Brown Suite
📍 Richmond Theatre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Brown Suite arrives at Richmond Theatre as a new funk and soul dance production, from Fundamentally Dance. Weaving the legendary sounds of Etta James, James Brown and Sam Cooke, the dance show portrays life during 1970s New York. The Brown Suite follows a group of friends navigating the city’s buzzing social life; forming connections, facing tensions, and moving through their world with slick & soulful choreography.

Visually, the production shines. The lighting design by Joshie Hariette is a standout: gorgeous transitions, and funky colourful palettes that evokes the 70s era well. The costumes (Maybelle Laye) also add to this; flared trousers, patterned shirts, flat caps – all capturing the casual swagger of the decade. The music is also brilliant; those timeless soul classics set the tone and atmosphere.

The cast – Joshi Martina, Nahum McClean, Monique Jonas, Darius Drooh, Leila Wright, Hugo Bragg and Lukas Hunt – are undeniably talented. Even when the choreography felt understated, their dance ability was clear. I enjoyed the group numbers, blending ballet lines with funk movements. The duets were also strong, synchronised and full of rhythm. The show struggles with its storytelling. The narrative feels unclear and loosely put together, making it hard to stay engaged. 

The scenes flow, but sometimes the transition between the next track wasn’t as smooth. Although the choreography was slick, it often felt safe. There needed to be more charisma and excitement, especially for a production built around such iconic music. There’s a sense that the show is holding back. It almost relies solely on the atmosphere – the music, costumes, lighting – rather than fully committing to sharper narrative & exciting, daring choreography. 

The Brown Suite is stylish, with strong performances and an atmosphere that transports us directly to 1970s New York. If you love this era and its music, you’ll definitely enjoy! 

It’s playing at Richmond Theatre until 3 October before embarking on a UK tour!