Been So Long **** TNT

Friday 26 June 2009 15:29 GMT

The plot of Che Walker’s sparky reworked 1998 play (now with music by Arthur Darvill) could be written on a postage stamp – but his new vibrant production has an infectious energy which makes for a hugely enjoyable evening.

Much of its success is thanks to Naana Agyei-Ampadu whose loud-mouthed, straight talking Yvonne blasts onto the stage in a tight yellow dress and belts out her numbers with the raunchiness, if not the technique, of a Tina Turner in the making. She and best mate Simone are, supposedly, having a girls night out at the Arizona, but the bar is on the verge of permanent closure and what Yvonne really wants is to “find a man” and “grind a man.”

All that’s on offer is Harry Hepple’s nerdy white boy Gil (who’s looking for revenge 'cos somebody stole his girl) and lovesick barman Barney (soul singer Omar Lyefook). Then in comes babe magnet Raymond – but he’s far more interested – for the moment, at least - in single mum Simone.

There’s not much depth to Walker’s characters, but the hip-hop, blues and soul numbers are delivered with gusto, and his dialogue sparkles with a witty mix of faux Shakespeare and street to provide a sassy snapshot of love and sex and London nightlife.

Young Vic, The Cut, SE1 8LZ tube Southwark / Waterloo (0207 922 2922) till 14 July (£22.50, under 26’s £10)