After The Applause

I had the joy of seeing Michael Abbensett’s rarely staged 1970s comedy focusing on Guyanese experience in Britain receive its largest ever staging by the National Theatre on the superbly adaptable Lyttelton stage. I saw the second preview performance and I am in no doubt that this will be another absolute hit!

The beginning atmosphere is very interesting, nostalgic 1970s tunes blare over the speakers and the ensemble patrol the stage trying to imitate the streets of Britain. We also get a first view of Frankie Bradshaw’s large tailor shop set and a slight glimpse of the vibrant costumes. From the moment I entered I could already see how perfectly this play had been crafted

The plot is fast-paced and stuffed full of gags, helped on by the hilarious cast who help to create a realistic atmosphere whilst still leaving enough room to relish in Abbensett’s humour. The story is simple but effective, a man trying to finally achieve his dream of owning a suit shop whilst juggling marriage, parenthood and friendship as well as signs of a neglected past. It is a story which resonates with the audience, touching on themes of racism, the windrush as well as divorce and broken relationships. For me it was very moving, we see the pain of Walker as he wrestles with whether he should be upset at the loss of his wife and daughter to one of his closest friends, or celebrate at accomplishing his dreams.

The acting all around is absolutely super, with direction from Lynette Linton. It is clear Linton wanted to not only make this play utterly hilarious but also utilise the power and messages of Abbensetts’ script. Arinzé Kene is the perfect Walker and he truly creates a wonderful and interesting character for the audience to follow. Gershwyn Eustache Jnr and Cherrelle Skeete are great as Walker’s best friend and wife, as well as Raphel Famotibe as Courtney creating a moment of silence and reflection upon the audience in one of the final scenes. For me it is Karl Collins as Horace who stood out the most, I feel he has the hardest character to play and he does it so well. He is funny as well as cunning and often aggressive and his performance stood out for me amongst the rest.

The Ensemble do a great job of creating flashbacks to Walker’s past and emulating a 1970s atmosphere.

MY VERDICT:

A bright bold production (not only due to Bradshaw’s super set and costume) that produces endless laughs as well as moments that move the audience. It was another National Theatre production that seemed so well put together, everything was perfect even down to the length (running at 2 hours all the way through with no interval). This is a production that should be seen and I am in no doubt it will be a hit!!

My standout performers were:

Karl Collins, Arinzé Kene and Raphel Famotibe

Alterations runs at the Lyttelton theatre until the 5th April in London. It is a wonderful production and if you love comedy, you’ll really enjoy.

A reminder that National Theatre do £5/£10 tickets for 16-25 year olds for all of their productions!