Emily K Neal Archives - Page 4 of 10

Black is the Color of my Voice

The Vaults

Reviewed – 28th June 2019

★★★★

“Campbell has created something full of emotion, with engaging dialogue and beautifully executed vocals”

Nina Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on 21st February 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina. She was, and still is, widely regarded as one of the most influential recording artists of the 20th century. But what was life like for her? Apphia Campbell has written and also performs in Black is the Color of My Voice, a piece inspired by the life of celebrated performer, Nina Simone.

Campbell, as Simone, is alone in the performance space, delivering her lines to a photograph of her late father, who it is clear she has deep affections for. She very much involves and engages the audience, addressing lines to us, as well as the photograph. Throughout the piece, we are taken on a journey through Simone’s life, from her childhood discovering a love of playing the piano, to her romantic relationships, abuse endured and her commitment to the American Civil Rights Movement. Although the piece is set in one room, furnished with a bed, a desk and chairs, it’s easy to imagine the other various locations spoken about, as a result of the descriptive dialogue and enchanting storytelling.

The emotion and passion shown throughout is inspiring to say the least. You can’t help but be drawn in to each and every experience of the singer that is shared on stage. There are light moments, including amusing impressions of Simone’s mother when she learned of her daughter’s interest in jazz, “the devil’s music”. The darker moments, including a recollection of Simone’s abusive marriage, are heartbreaking and a great deal of empathy is created.

Lighting (Clancy Flynn) and sound (Tom Lishman) design during the section of the piece highlighting Simone’s horror over events surrounding the American Civil Rights Movement is hugely effective. Recordings of real news segments, the aftermath of horrific events and speeches are played, as well as lights flashing as she changes T.V channels. These elements, combined with Campbell’s acting abilities, ensure a highly dramatic and tense section of the piece.

You don’t necessarily need to be a fan of Nina Simone to be absorbed in this show. Apphia Campbell has created something full of emotion, with engaging dialogue and beautifully executed vocals in songs interwoven throughout. Direction by Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs has ensured the space is used well and the energy never falters. It’s clear why Campbell’s show has enjoyed worldwide success in recent years.

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Geraint Lewis

Black is the Color of my Voice

The Vaults until 13th July

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:

Check In/Check Out | ★★★ | March 2019

Donal The Numb | ★★★★ | March 2019

Essex Girl | ★★★★ | March 2019

How Eva Von Schnippisch Won WWII | ★★★★ | March 2019

The Talented Mr Ripley | ★★★★ | March 2019

Vulvarine | ★★★★★ | March 2019

Me and my Whale | ★★★ | June 2019

Bare: A Pop Opera | ★★★ | June 2019

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

★★★

“has potential, but it didn’t quite pack the punch I expected it to”

Camden People’s Theatre is currently presenting a series of plays as part of their “Calm Down Dear” season. This is a three week festival of “innovative female performance”.

Hot Flushes is Documental Theatre’s offering to the festival. Written by Lucy Bell and directed by Anita Parry, the show is centred around Sandra (Michelle Ridings), a sixty year old woman who falls victim to department store BHS going bust. Not only has she lost a job she’s had for decades, but she’s also being denied her pension. Understandably angry, a chance encounter with Patsy (Katy Sobey), a ballsy member of the National Rifle Association, leads Sandra to believe she can take matters into her own hands.

There are four performers on a stage that is simply set with two clothes rails on either side. Three of the performers play instruments to accompany the original songs (Charlie Coldfield & Thomas Johnson) scattered throughout. The musical elements are generally well done and there are nice harmonies in some of the songs, although the show could benefit from more polished vocals overall. Katy Sobey is by far the standout performer vocally and shows versatility through playing Sandra’s twenty-one year old daughter, Jolene, as well as NRA member, Patsy. She also brings some of the songs to life with her skill as a saxophonist.

In terms of Hot Flush’s concept, Documental Theatre has chosen well. There is a good level of normality, which audiences should be able to relate to. The show explores family dynamics, mother/daughter relationships and the strains that these can come under, inequalities, and caring for an infirm family member, as Sandra does with her husband.

At times, I did find it hard to engage and felt some of the songs came a bit out of nowhere. There are also some over the top moments that perhaps go a bit too far, but this could be seen as a display of the heightened emotions and fantasies of a sixty year old woman at the end of her tether. Hot Flushes has potential, but it didn’t quite pack the punch I expected it to. There are some good ideas and performances, so it would be interesting to see if the show develops further in the future.

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

The Vaults

Reviewed – 28th June 2019

★★★★

“Campbell has created something full of emotion, with engaging dialogue and beautifully executed vocals”

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Geraint Lewis

Black is the Color of my Voice

The Vaults until 13th July

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:

Camden People’s Theatre

Reviewed – 13th June 2019

★★★

“has potential, but it didn’t quite pack the punch I expected it to”

Camden People’s Theatre is currently presenting a series of plays as part of their “Calm Down Dear” season. This is a three week festival of “innovative female performance”.

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Hot Flushes – The Musical

Camden People’s Theatre until 15th June as part of their Part of Calm Down Dear Festival

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue: