Tag: theatre reviews

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REVIEW: Red Pitch – @sohoplace

🎭 Red Pitch
📍@sohoplace
🎟️ PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tyrell Williams’ powerful play returns to Bush Theatre, and explores friendship, change and the impact of gentrification.

The story

We meet Bilal, Omz and Joey (Kedar Williams Stirling, Francis Lovehall and Emeka Sesay) – 3 Black teenagers and aspiring footballers who hang out on Reedbury estate in South London. The trio frequently play football on ‘Red Pitch’, practicing their skills for when they make it professionally. They banter, bicker, talk about girls and recollect their memories on the estate. Throughout the play, the boys prepare for the demolition of the estate and their impending relocation from ‘ends’. 

As the play unfolds, we discover Bilal, Omz and Joey’s aspirations, their family life, and the pressure and expectations held upon them. The regeneration of their estate has a profound impact and the show cleverly explores the disadvantages and potential benefits of this. This powerful story is about friendship, community, our dreams and change.

Photo by Helen Murray

My thoughts

As soon as we enter the space, we are immersed into Bilal, Omz and Joey’s world. The actors arrive on stage, performing kick-ups, and chatting with the crowd – some audience members even joined them on stage!

Having watched the show at the Bush Theatre, it was amazing to see the elevation of the production in terms of the creative design. We feel like we are directly on the estate, with distant sounds of destruction, rattling from the scaffolding, and protests from the residents – all while the boys talk and play football. Khalil Madovi’s sound design is such a subtle yet significant way to showcase the impending changes.  Amelia Jane Hankin’s football-inspired set design transports us to Red Pitch, with the fenced area and goal markings on the floor. This is supported by incredible lighting from Ali Hunter. During the dream-like sequences, the theatre is lit up like a stadium, where the characters envision scoring goals as professional footballers. It’s a literal snapshot of their aspirations, with the flashing lights, cameras, and encores from the crowd – it felt electric!

Photo by Helen Murray

While we may assume football is the focus, ‘Red Pitch’ covers various topics such as friendship, ambitions, and gentrification. Williams has created an authentic piece of theatre, highlighting a relevant topic in our society, that is rarely seen on stage. Inspired by Williams’ own experiences growing up, the story takes a personal approach as we look at the regeneration through the lens of the characters. Bilal, Omz and Joey have been friends for years and the chemistry between the cast makes this even more believable. All three are fantastic in their roles; they bounce off one another, especially during the comical moments (which were plenty!) and a brilliant dance sequence – it’s a joy to watch! Their portrayal as teenagers was spot on too, and I enjoyed the raw emotion they brought to the characters.

With movement choreographed by Gabrielle Nimo, the cast maintains high energy and an impressive display of stamina and football skills. Under Daniel Bailey’s direction, I enjoyed how the show struck the perfect balance between comedy and sincere moments. It was also interesting to hear the character’s varying views about the regeneration of Reedbury Estate. Omz is hopeful the change will be good for his elderly grandad’s access needs, while Joey appears frustrated that the local Morley’s has been replaced with a coffee shop. The show serves a reminder of the social and economic impact of London’s changing landscape.

Photo by Helen Murray

The storytelling is unique, engaging and a great representation of what it means to have a sanctuary and a shared space. The tapping in and out of the pitch was a genius move, highlighting the bond and what Red Pitch means to Omz, Bilal and Joey. 

The one-act play takes us on an emotional journey as we discover the boy’s family life and the pressures they face. The chemistry between the cast was so palpable that it felt tough watching the characters argue and fight. Kev McCurdy directs one of the most intense and realistic fight scenes I’ve ever seen, as the boys scrap on the pitch. In the quieter, emotional moments, particularly in the final scenes, we see just how much the boys mean to one another. It’s a beautiful, and authentic display of friendship.

You can tell a lot of heart has gone into making this production and I appreciate having stories like this in theatre! With a talented cast and creative team, Red Pitch is funny, thought-provoking, empathetic and refreshing story for the West End. I highly recommend going to see this show!

Red Pitch plays at @sohoplace until 4 May 2024!

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Around The World in 80 Days – Richmond Theatre

🎭 Around The World in 80 Days
📍 Richmond Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jules Verve’s famous novel ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ has been transformed into a new, vibrant theatrical adaption, directed by Juliet Forster. The Tilted Wig production is a delightful, fun, colourful show, that would make the perfect family evening out!

The story

The story begins with a group of travelling performers, who embark on their most daring venture yet: recreating the adventures of Phileas Fogg. Phileas Fogg of London (Alex Phelps) attempts to travel the world in 80 days, on a wager of £20,000, a bet set by his snobby companions at the Reform Club. Phileas and his newly employed French valet, Passepartout (Wilson Benedito), set out on a race around the world. The 1873 novel is retold with a mix of adventure, comedy and a touch of history that I hadn’t known!

The show does not only focus on Phileas Fogg’s journey; it intertwines fact and fiction, sharing the remarkable story of Nellie Bly, an American journalist known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days. This adaption brings to life the original novel in an exciting and engaging way!

Photo by Anthony Robling

My thoughts

This production is lighthearted, silly at times and has a modern take on Jules Verve’s story. Sara Perks’ stage design is visually stunning, with bright primary colours that emulate a circus atmosphere. I noticed the cast’s microphones weren’t as loud as we would have expected. Some moments also could have benefitted from a bit of background music to add emphasis to the scenes. The pacing felt slow in Act One, but this soon picked up, particularly as we saw more slapstick comedy scenes – including a lengthy circus act that involved tiny bicycles, hula hoops and whips!?

The strong cast of five is completed with Genevieve Sabherwal, Eddie Mann and Katriona Brown, who showcase their talent through energetic multi-roleplaying. I enjoyed Brown’s performance as Nellie Bly; having her story alongside Phileas Fogg’s added a modern, feminist approach to the story. I wanted to snap my fingers in solidarity when Bly exclaimed; “I said I could, and I would. And I did.” Additionally, I really liked how the characters took moments out of the retelling to challenge the traditional text and call out historical inaccuracies and culturally insensitive terms.

Photo by Anthony Robling


Eddie Mann gave a standout performance in the role of Detective Fix. The actor commanded the stage with their impeccable comedic timing, and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. Mann worked brilliantly alongside Benedito, who also did a great job with the comedy, shown through the moments of audience participation and improv. The improvisation in the show was certainly one of the highlights, adding an element of surprise to the performance. The actors also break the fourth wall, further allowing the audience to become a part of the show. These interactive elements kept us engaged and entertained throughout.

Another standout was the movement direction by Asha Jennings-Grant, which was incredibly inventive The cast was slick with their moves, the scene changes and utilised each and every prop to demonstrate this raucous journey across the globe.

Photo by Anthony Robling

With a unique take on a classic story, a talented cast, and great comedic moments, this production of ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.

‘Around The World in 80 Days’ plays at Richmond Theatre until Saturday 20 May 2023!

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Family Tree – Brixton House Theatre

🎭 Family Tree
📍 Brixton House Theatre
🎫 Gifted
⭐⭐⭐

Mojisola Adebayo’s play, ‘Family Tree’, brings to light a dark history of the scientific world. 

Directed by Matthew Xia, the powerful drama is told through a blend of spoken word, interpretive dance and harrowing historical truths about race, health, the environment and the forgotten legacy of Henrietta Lacks – a Black woman whose influence on modern-day medicine is extraordinary. 

The story

The story is inspired by Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who died in 1950s Maryland from cervical cancer. Before she passed, doctors took samples from Lacks’ biopsy during the treatment, sharing them with researchers who discovered her cells had the capacity to survive and reproduce. This created the HeLa cell line, which was (and still is) involved in medical research in cancer, immunisations, HIV and most recently, vaccines against COVID-19. Despite saving thousands of lives, Henrietta did not have any knowledge or consent over the actions, nor did her family years after her death. 

‘Family Tree’ is a thought-provoking play that unpacks the injustices Black women faced in medical care over the years. Adebayo’s intertwines historical stories of enslaved women in America, subject to cruel experiments by white medical staff. We also see a trio of Black women play present-day NHS nurses, passionately discussing racism in healthcare, among professionals and patients, ‘WHY’ people and the Black Lives Matter movement.

My thoughts

Aminata Francis plays Henrietta Lacks, opening the show with a powerful, rhythmic monologue as an immortalised being. Francis’ presence is captivating; I admired their strong storytelling as they glided barefoot across the stage, delivering Adebayo’s poetic script with deep emotion. 

Photo by Helen Murray

 Mofetoluwa Akande, Keziah Joseph, and Aimée Powell play the trio of women, and were strong in their individual roles, seamlessly transitioning between the contrasting characters. I also loved how they tended to one another’s hair during their scenes as NHS nurses. Throughout the show, a smoking cowboy (Alistar Hall) sinisterly walks across Simon Kenny’s set, presumably embodying a version of the ‘Marlboro man’ and also death.

As we weave between the different generations, I admittedly struggled to find the plot. The play could have benefitted from a longer run time as there was a lot of information packed into this 90-minute piece. The poetry and prose were beautiful, but the scenes swiftly moved on to the next. I wished there was time for Adebayo’s writing to linger and let us reflect. This was expedited during the final scenes with the appearance of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of water, fertility and love. Whilst Akande’s performance in this role was enjoyable, it felt out of place and almost rushed as the play was nearing the end.

Photo by Helen Murray

‘Family Tree’ is both an important exploration and celebration of Black women’s contributions to healthcare and their undeniable strengths. The uncomfortable truths of racial inequalities over the years are revealed. From a personal viewpoint – I’m a Black woman living in the U.K., where these inequalities are still occurring, so parts of the show were difficult to hear. Nonetheless, I commend Mojisola Adebayo and Matthew Xia for creating a play that doesn’t shy away from revealing the harrowing, untold experiences of Black women as well as shedding light on Henrietta Lacks’ story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Diane Alison Mitchell’s movement direction, as the cast danced together in sync to an African drum beat. The joyous ending serves as a celebration of Henrietta Lacks’ legacy and generations of Black women.

Family Tree is playing at Brixton House Theatre until 23 April, before continuing its U.K. tour.

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Clementine – VAULT Festival

🎭 Clementine
📍 VAULT Festival – Network Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As I walked into Network Theatre for ‘Clementine’, Lady Gaga’s banger, Judas, played – a strong sign that I was going to love this show!

The story

Written and performed by Rosalie Minnitt, ‘Clementine’ is a one-woman musical comedy about a young woman’s quest to find love. The time period of the show isn’t defined, but it takes place ‘in the past’ (The costumes were giving Bridgerton vibes!) 

We meet Lady Clementine (Minnitt), a single 26-year-old, desperate to find the love of her life. Lady Clementine fears if she isn’t married before her birthday, she will end up like her spinster Aunt Lauren. We learn all about Lady Clementine’s previous partners, including one who lost his head and the latest beau who has gone missing. We follow her on a hilarious, eccentric, musical journey to solve the mystery of her ill fortune with love. But perhaps she has been searching for it in all the wrong places…

My thoughts

Described as ‘Gen Z’s ode to womanhood’, Minnitt has created a funny, feel-good show, packed with cultural references that fitted perfectly with the story. Enthusiastic direction from Tristan Robinson and Alison Middleton resulted in nonstop laughter during the performance. Lady Clementine pranced, paraded and even spouted water across the stage.

Minnitt maintained such high energy and portrayed various supporting characters including her unfortunate housekeeper, Jackie and the guardian angel flemish DJ. The show was certainly interactive, with willing members of the audience reading letters and even participating in onstage raves. Minnitt is a fantastic performer and a talented comedy writer. I loved how skillfully they bounced off the audience and held our attention for the entire show. Even in the moments when Lady Clementine was offstage, the video projections added the funniest context to the story. The constant puns paired with Minnett’s impeccable comic timing made this show a total delight.

Honor Halford-MacLeod incorporated several musical melodies during the show. We even got an interpretive dance to Beyonce’s Alien Superstar. And who doesn’t love a mid-show ballad? As the audience waved their flameless candles that were placed on the seats, Lady Clementine serenaded us with ‘Guide Me, Stars’ – a song I personally think should be on Spotify.


Amongst the hilarity, the show ends with an empowering high, leaving us happy for Lady Clementine and her newfound (self) love. The hour went by quickly and I was left grinning from what we just watched. Clementine is so much fun – it’s lively, it’s quirky and certainly empowering!

Rosalie Minnett is a comedy star in the making and I can’t wait for what they do next!

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Counter – VAULT Festival

🎭 Counter
📍 VAULT Festival
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

So, do lies hold a relationship together? 👀

Written and directed by Maggie N. Razavi, Counter follows the breakdown of a long-term relationship. With a minimal set, taking place at a bar counter, we are immersed in a couple’s relationship, whose inner thoughts question whether they should stay together or break up.

The story

The couple, played by Max Norman and Rivkah Bunker, have been together for a decade but haven’t communicated in three weeks. We soon learn the man had proposed to his partner, which caused her to run off, take a ‘break’ – and cease all communication with him. They exchange passive-aggressive small talk, but each character breaks the fourth wall to reveal true feelings about the situation. And each other. 

My thoughts

The duo put on strong performances; both convincingly deliver satirical monologues that had me switching sides on who I personally thought was in the wrong. Razavi’s script is engaging and authentic – I appreciated them highlighting real-life issues people in relationships face. He strives for marriage, kids, and a house before 30, while she wants to be free to travel the world. Their differences and lack of communication lead to controversial secrets. 

‘Her’ (Bunker) questions whether she really loves ‘Him’ (Norman). He may provide security, family, and stability, but she feels unseen. Sure, she’s committed some (okay, several!) wrongdoings, but we soon learn ‘Him’ isn’t innocent either. 

Our characters speak directly to audience members, asking for their opinions. “Am I in the wrong? Should I stay? What dating apps do people use?” I must commend Bunker for their improvisation skills and also their added humour in this intense play.

The concept in Counter is great, and I believe it could be elevated in terms of audience participation. Having an alternative ending depending on the response from the audience could be an interesting plot device. I also would prefer if there was more dialogue in their scenes together, rather than awkward silence. There could have been tender moments, with movement or speech, demonstrating that they are deeply in love, but their monologues suggesting otherwise. Having that contrast would certainly add to the humour.

I won’t spoil the ending but it certainly divided opinions and sparked a post-show debate between friends and me!  

Maggie N. Razavi has created a unique piece of theatre by including interactive elements, crafting compelling characters and initiating discussion both during and after the show. 

Although the show has finished its tour at the VAULT festival, I hope to see Counter back on stage soon!

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I am not Black – Barons Court Theatre

🎭 I am not Black
📍 Barons Court Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Written and performed by Akin Wright, ‘I am not Black’ is a coming-of-age story, exploring one man’s plight of growing up in an environment where he was ‘‘too white for the black kids and too white for the white kids”. Directed by Joseph Junkere, this one-man show is funny, powerful and an honest exploration of the black experience.

The story

When Temz Thomas (Akin Wright) is invited by his former school to give a speech to current students, this sparks a trip down memory lane. As he finds an old Blackberry phone, Temz begins to reminisce of his experiences at school. He reveals the microaggressions and casual racism faced during that time and reflects on what it was like to feel as though he didn’t belong.

As Temz dresses in school uniform, he shares what it was like being at a private all-boys school, where he was one of few black students, and made to feel othered. Temz succumbed to the jokes about his race as well as the negative and ridiculous stereotypes about Black people. We also discover the jokes sadly continued outside of school, and in his church community.

My thoughts

Wright incorporates many colloquial phrases and cultural references that were all too familiar to me. Blackberry phones, Channel U, and even the CGP GCSE books sprawled on the floor took me back to my own younger years. The set design was simple but was enough to transport the audience back to Temz’s school days.

Racism is a key theme throughout the play, as well as belonging. It’s tough to hear, but I commend the script for being authentic and not diminishing the experiences many young black kids have faced.

Wright’s storytelling is engaging, and they successfully capture our attention for all 60 minutes. The writing is entertaining, quick-witted, and included so many nostalgic references that made me chuckle (The Blackberry battery hack was such a throwback!). There’s also a nice balance between the humour and the serious nature of the topic.  

I enjoyed the pacing of the show. Even with all the content and backstories, it didn’t feel rushed. There was multi-roleplaying from Wright, as they portrayed the supporting characters in Temz’s life. At times, it was difficult to keep up with the number of characters in the story. Wright did a great job at performing them all and I particularly liked the use of audio during conversations with other characters.  

The second half was the strongest, as we saw even more emotion from our protagonist. Temz lets out pent-up frustrations from the years of casual racism faced by his peers, teachers, and his own community. Under Jinkere’s powerful direction, we see Temz sit in the middle of the stage, lights dimmed, revealing a written wall of racial slurs and microaggressions. This was my standout and such a profound way to echo the stories Temz shared.

In an impassioned poem, Temz rightfully expresses that black people are not a monolith. We are unique. Personally, I am proud there are shows like ‘I Am Not Black’ that have the platform to share our unfiltered stories and experiences.

‘I am not Black’ is playing at Barons Court Theatre until 4 February. (Although tickets have sold out!)

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& Juliet – Shaftesbury Theatre

🎭 &Juliet
📍 Shaftesbury Theatre
💷 £25
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Who knew I would love jukebox musicals enough to see them twice!? & Juliet is one of the most fun, entertaining, and inclusive West End shows I have ever been to. Thanks to Today Tix, I have been fortunate to see this pop musical twice and in different seating areas (much prefer the stalls!).

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, &Juliet tells this classic tale from a “what if” perspective, where Juliet does not die. Shakespeare (Oliver Tompsett) is persuaded by his wife, Anna Hathaway (Cassidy Janson) to rewrite the ending of Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story. And this begins a wonderful, wild, and wacky musical journey. We follow Juliet (Miriam-Teak Lee) on her journey of self-discovery, as she travels with friends, May (Alex Thomas-Smith), Nurse Angelique (Melanie La Barrie) and Anne, from Verona to Paris.

This award-winning musical includes music from Swedish songwriter, Max Martin. His catalogue is very impressive with hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and more! The songs are hilariously and cleverly incorporated into the storyline, with my standout performances being from ‘Da Bois’ and that iconic Ariana Grande/The Weeknd mash-up. The script was witty, with some tongue-in-cheek one-liners. There were tender moments too. The inclusion of the non-binary character, May, was touching to see and provided the much-needed inclusion we need in theatres today! There were also many empowering speeches between the characters and a sense of girl power. Teak-Lee as Juliet was outstanding – the energy, the charm, the humour!

I adored the enthusiasm from the ensemble all throughout this show, especially at the beginning as they engaged with the audience. The cast wore Tudor-like costumes that had been modernised and paired with sneakers and a lot of bling! The choreography by Jennifer Weber is so catchy – I still do the same dance move whenever I hear Katy Perry’s Roar.

This is a fun musical that is suited for any audience. Yes, the storyline at times is a little ridiculous, but it was such a joy to watch. I came out of the theatre grinning, wanting to experience it all over again. (And I did, 5 months later with a different cast – who were equally as talented!)

& Juliet is a show I highly recommend for everyone!

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Welcome to Rachel Reviewed!

Hey, I am Rachel, a 20-something-year-old Ghanaian-Londoner! I’ve finally decided to create a blog, showcasing all things to do with theatre, music, books, and travel! It is quite a lot, but these are the hobbies I have loved over the years!

Theatre

My first experience of theatre was in secondary school studying Performing Arts. I was the student who wanted to emulate the lifestyle I had seen in the High School Musical movies – randomly bursting into song and dance. At 15, we went on a school trip to see ‘Wicked’ which further made me fall in love with the theatre. Post-pandemic, I have been fortunate enough to go and watch some brilliant shows on and off West End. I love a showstopping musical with dazzling choreography, just as much as a dramatic play with minor props and an intense script! I have written reviews, created Instagram Reels/TikTok’s and even partied at a Musical Theatre Rave. If you want to read and learn more about theatre – keep an eye on this blog!

Music

Can you remember your first concert/festival? I saw an artist named Daley at KOKO in Camden. It was my favourite memory, and I was in awe of how great they sounded live! I shortly discovered festivals, only ever attending non-camping ones in London. Leaving a Calvin Harris set covered in dust, headbanging in the rain to Chase & Status, hugging strangers during Major Lazer – a dream (for some!). The pandemic had put a stop to many big festivals I loved and attended regularly – SW4, Lovebox – I will never forget you! But I vow to get back into it. Music has always been a huge part of my life. On my previous blog, I shared songs that I had On Repeat This Week – this included throwback tracks, songs from adverts, and recommended songs! So, I will be bringing that feature back on Rachel Reviewed.

Books

I often wonder how I was able to finish books in one day. With the rise of social media and our phones grabbing most of our attention, I have not had the best of luck getting back into reading. However, I am determined to! I remember being so excited about visiting libraries and taking part in the Summer Reading challenges. Jacqueline Wilson became a strong favourite, as did Judy Blume – I loved these coming-of-age novels. I’m keen to read more books from Black authors. After reading, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, which shared a tragic yet beautiful story of Ghanaian ancestry, I was amazed at how wonderful Gyasi had written this. My Goodreads list is ever-growing, and I hope to share more of my thoughts here!

Travel

My all-time favourite hobby is travelling, and I cannot wait to do more of it! I want to share my favourite destinations, travel tips and reviews of all the places I have flown to (or taken a train, staycations are the new thing, right?!).

I also want to share advice on travelling as a lone female. I was grateful for all the blogs I came across that listed handy tips for solo travellers and would love to do the same! I have already uploaded a few highlights from my trips to Curacao and Lisbon – check them out here!

You can find me on:

Instagram @rachelreviewed

TikTok @rachelreviewed

Twitter @rachelreviewed

Or contact via email at rachelreviewed @ gmail.com