This is London
With its rich cast of characters and sympathetic awareness underpinning the lighter moments, it’s surprising that Errol John’s post-war tragicomedy, set in the native Trinidad he left behind, has so rarely been staged since it won a newspaper playwriting competition in 1957.
Set in a ramshackle Port of Spain backyard, it’s a humane study of hopes and disappointments and (for most of the impoverished residents) making the best of what life doles out, written with wit, understanding and an actor’s ear for dialogue.
Young Esther (Tahirah Sharif) has won a high school scholarship, but her parents (Martina Laird’s Sophia, acid-tongued, resilient and caring, who takes in washing to pay the bills and Jude Akuwudike’s layabout, once principled former cricketing star Charlie) can’t afford the extras. Bus driver neighbour Ephraim (powerful Danny Sapani) has plans for a better future and nothing is going to stand in his way – not even long term girlfriend Rosa (Jade Anouka) who’s also caught the eye of their elderly landlord (Burt Caesar).
Even Jenny Joules’ provocatively flouncing goodtime girl Mavis (despite the income from the steady stream of American servicemen entertained in her bedroom) wants the security of a ring on her finger and the guarantee of the good things that the Yankee dollar can buy.
Played out on a traverse stage, and with added atmosphere courtesy of the Ebony Steel Band, Michael Buffong’s fine – and long overdue – revival could hardly be bettered.
Set in a ramshackle Port of Spain backyard, it’s a humane study of hopes and disappointments and (for most of the impoverished residents) making the best of what life doles out, written with wit, understanding and an actor’s ear for dialogue.
Young Esther (Tahirah Sharif) has won a high school scholarship, but her parents (Martina Laird’s Sophia, acid-tongued, resilient and caring, who takes in washing to pay the bills and Jude Akuwudike’s layabout, once principled former cricketing star Charlie) can’t afford the extras. Bus driver neighbour Ephraim (powerful Danny Sapani) has plans for a better future and nothing is going to stand in his way – not even long term girlfriend Rosa (Jade Anouka) who’s also caught the eye of their elderly landlord (Burt Caesar).
Even Jenny Joules’ provocatively flouncing goodtime girl Mavis (despite the income from the steady stream of American servicemen entertained in her bedroom) wants the security of a ring on her finger and the guarantee of the good things that the Yankee dollar can buy.
Played out on a traverse stage, and with added atmosphere courtesy of the Ebony Steel Band, Michael Buffong’s fine – and long overdue – revival could hardly be bettered.
Cottesloe Theatre.
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