Review by Daz Gale
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In a month full of exciting Shakespeare productions opening in London, one that may have slipped under the radar slightly is Play On! A riff on Twelfth Night with the title coming from the classic line “If music be the food of love, play on”, it finally arrives in London for a season, following a UK tour. I’ve seen the buzz over this show since its first tour stop in September with fellow critics raving about it – now it was finally my turn, would I feel the same?
This bold retelling of Twelfth Night is set on the jazz scene in 1940s Harlem. It sees songwriter Vy trying to find success but instead finding women are not taken seriously in a man’s world. Refusing to accept defeat, she instead poses as a man “Vyman” (Do you see what she did there?) who meets club owner The Duke and gets embroiled in his attempts to win back nightclub singer Lady Liv, who herself has other suitors desperate for her affection. As the web of who wants who becomes increasingly tangled, will Vy be able to get what she truly wants?
Conceived by Sheldon Epps and with a book by Cheryl L. West, Play On! is an innovative and exciting take on a classic. Full of nods to the original Twelfth Night story, it doesn’t attempt to stick too closely to every note of that story and isn’t afraid to deviate away somewhat. This is what makes Play On! such a resounding success – a fresh take on a recognisable story with lots of twists and turns along the way, never losing what is most important and that is the joy of it all. This is a show impossible not to smile at in an incredibly upbeat show that provides the perfect tonic for a dark and miserable winter.
This is reflected in the writing, full of funny one-liners and big characters who all share the desire to be loved. West’s book plants the seeds to bring this joyous celebration to life, allowing director Michael Buffong to nurture it and watch it grow in fantastic form. With choices such as having the real band in the background move closer to the front of the stage when they become part of the story themselves, his direction brings a big focus to the music, while never detracting from the essence of the story itself.
Music is integral to Play On! and, for this show, it is the music of Duke Ellington that provides the soundtrack for the story. With classics including ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)’, it leads to a toe-tapping masterclass and an incredible reinterpretation of these timeless numbers to allow them to further the story, fitting right in to the setting of Play On! Every musical number leads to an opportunity for greatness that is always utilised and never fails, with truly exceptional choreography from Kenrick H20 Sandy MBE filling the stage with life and raising many of the musical numbers to genius new levels.
If there is one thing that makes Play On! such a mesmerising watch, it is the cast. Talented performers in every sense, it is their vocals that threaten to bring the roof off the Lyric Hammersmith, with a particularly rousing take on ‘Rocks In My Bed’ giving one of the many vocal highlights of the night, featuring a phenomenal turn from a previously underused Lifford Shillingford as Sweets. Cameron Bernard Jones is another highlight as Rev with his desperate attempts to be smooth providing many of the more comic moments of the show. He is clearly having a great time exploring the journey of his character and that joy spreads to the audience with his brilliant performance of ‘I’m Beginning To See The Light’ is a huge standout in the show.
Tsemaye Bon-Egbe leads the cast on fine form as Viola/Vyman with comedy and charisma in a performance that is always captivating – herself showcasing some sensational vocals. The ultimate standout performer for me, however, is the incredible portrayal of Lady Liv from KoKo Alexandra. As the star singer with diva qualities, she gets ample opportunity to play up to varying aspects of the character in a layered performance that gradually reveals her desire to be loved. Act two opener ‘Black Butterfly’ showcases Alexandra’s talents perfectly with a tired and can’t be bothered approach to Lady Liv while still giving it everything vocally. Her impressive vocals continue throughout with ‘I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues’ her finest moment. The two women come together midway through act one to deliver another musical and vocal highlight of the evening, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ with the chemistry between both performers electric to witness.
Play On! is a creative riff on a classic story and this production is the perfect example of the joy theatre can bring. A celebration of music and dance, it is also a celebration of love and life itself and ensured a grin was permanently attached to my face. With a supremely talented cast, Play On! is a show impossible to not love and had me wishing it would never stop.
Play On! plays on at Lyric Hammersmith until 22nd February. Tickets from www.lyric.co.uk