Theatre: A Play for Jimmy Baldwin; Oval House, London

Roy Bartholomew
Monday 11 March 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ageing under-achiever Roy Mensah harbours a life-long dream of becoming a Great Writer like his hero James Baldwin. But conceited Roy is better at talking a good book than writing one. While he waits for divine inspiration and comforts himself with drink, his long-suffering wife polishes off a full-length novel. And when his son brings home a gay Baldwin scholar, Roy is made to face up to his inability to accept differences in others.

PK Addo's prize-winning satire of hero worship and homophobia loses some of its shine here in this staging by Ariya, Britain's first black opera company.

However, Alex Lartey gives an excellent comic performance as the voluble, unambitious Roy for whom Baldwin's anti-oppression strictures have become a convenient shield, from behind which you could blame society for your every failing. Victor, his champagne-swilling sidekick, superbly played by Owen Pegram, is equally hypocritical - a principled equal opportunities manager at work, an incorrigible bigot everywhere else. Together they comically underscore Addo's wry views about role modelling, and the prevailing ideas of manliness and courage.

Ariya's curiously lethargic production dulls the play's satiric bite and no prizes for acting would be handed out among the supporting players. Yet there are engaging performances to enjoy.

Maria Warner is impressive as Roy's unhappy wife, Emma, who regrets having once allowed him to woo her with a copy of The Fire Next Time.

n To 24 March. Booking: 0171-582 7680

ROY BARTHOLOMEW

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in