Birmingham Hippodrome- until 25th October 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Black Power Desk continues its sold-out tour with a stop at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio. Set in 1970s London, the production transports audiences into a world where Black British communities were pushing back against systemic racism while the authorities quietly monitored their every move through the covert Scotland Yard policing unit known as the Black Power Desk.
Set within The Drum Restaurant, we follow the lives of sisters Celia (Rochelle Rose) and Dina (Veronica Carabai) as they navigate their strained relationship following the death of their mother. Dina is outspoken and deeply involved in the growing movement for equality. Celia is more wary of the dangers that activism may bring. Tension builds as their relationships with men pull them in different directions. Celia becomes involved with white Northern Irish musician Jack (Tomos Eames), while Dina becomes engaged to Jarvis (Alexander Bellinfantie). The Drum also serves as a base for the protest group that Dina leads. Restaurant owner Carlton (Gerel Falconer) has a weakness for gambling, and his establishment attracts unwanted attention from corrupt police officers Pullen (Alan Drake) and Marks (Casey Bird) who regularly try to intimidate both Carlton, his wife Maya (Chante Faucher), and his customers to find any excuse to arrest them. Dina also has to contend with Colin (Fahad Shaft), a more aggressive member of the protest group. Colin believes their movement is being hijacked by women and that a more militant course of action is needed.
The story is all about being part of a community, and director Gbolahan Obisesan skilfully uses this to draw the audience in. From voting on the name of the protest movement to raising a glass to Dina and Jarvis, we became participants in the show, not just silent bystanders. In fact, there were multiple times that the dialogue became obscured by spontaneous booing and comments from the crowd as plot twists were revealed. This never distracted too much from the storyline, and the cast took it all in their stride. Obisesan’s direction handles potentially triggering scenes with sensitivity. The male police officer strip-searching a female suspect is implied only by the actors running their hands over their own bodies, but the scene still has a great impact and shock value.
The set design by Natalie Pryce is simple but very effective. Scenes transition seamlessly between the restaurant, police station and courtroom with clever use of reversible scenery swiftly moved by the cast. Lighting by Prema Mehta adds drama to the more intense scenes. Jessica Cabassa’s costume design perfectly captures the 1970s mood. The show was written by Urielle Klein-Mekongo (book, lyrics, and composition) with music by Renell Shaw, and additional lyrics and Rapperturgy by Gerel Falconer. It features an original soundtrack that fuses soul, reggae and rap that feels authentic for the time period. The music is performed onstage by a vibrant three-piece live band, Daniel Taylor (keys), Tendai Humphrey Sitima (bass) and Romarna Campbell (drums) who double up as the house band within The Drum Restaurant. The lyrics to some of the songs are hard-hitting, especially the faster-paced rapped segments. The songs all showcase the vocal talents of the cast, especially Rochelle Rose’s powerhouse vocals which were met with rapturous applause throughout. It is truly an ensemble piece, and every member of the cast deserves equal praise. The cast’s final bow was given a well-deserved standing ovation.
Black Power Desk is a bold, powerfully crafted production that never shies away from confronting uncomfortable truths while delivering an electrifying night of musical theatre.