BUSH THEATRE LONDON – UNTIL 27th JUNE 2024
Reviewed by Jackie Thornton
5*****
Since the death of her father last year Peace, the only Black history teacher at a private school, has felt lost and rootless. So when she finds Bolu, a half-brother from Nigeria who she didn’t know existed, she invites him to England. Partner Roy, of mixed heritage, couldn’t be more supportive but her suffocating mother, Favour, is convinced this outsider could bring harm to her only daughter. What good will raking up the past do?
But here is an opportunity for Peace to connect with the culture, language and heritage that her parents had always denied her. And so the stage is set and the jollof rice ready for an unsettling family reunion where lives will never be the same again.
This gripping tale of grief, identity and belonging is the first produced play from award winning writer and actor Faith Omole and it’s certainly a crowd pleaser. The atmosphere was electric as the audience roared with laughter, cheered, hissed and gasped – fully engaged and invested at all times. Clever layers to the writing allow this family story to also explore the UK’s relationship with Africa and question the teaching of black history in school curriculums. A simple, naturalistic living room set from TK Hay hosts all of the action as Rebekah Murrell’s thoughtful direction shifts the story along seamlessly. Everything feels so real and even the father’s well-placed haunting voice from beyond the grave has an air of naturalism to it.
First class performances from Tiwa Lade as Peace, Theo Ogundipe as Bolu, Gabriel Akuwudike as Roy and Rakie Ayola as Favour – every bit the domineering and manipulative mother – draw us in with such humour, realism and pathos that when big truths are laid bare in the climax, every moment feels 100% earned.
Get along to the Bush for this highly entertaining, hugely funny and deeply moving piece of theatre.