BEEN SO LONG To 15 July.
London.
BEEN SO LONG
book and lyrics by Che Walker music and lyrics by Arthur Darvill.
Young Vic Theatre The Cut SE1 8LZ To 15 July 2009.
Mon - Sat 7.30pm. Mat Sat and 24 June, 1 July 2:30pm.
Runs 1hr 45mins. No interval.
TICKETS: 0207 922 2922.
www.youngvic.org
Review: Geoff Ambler 18 June 2009.
Lessons in seduction, impure and applied, at the Young Vic.
It seems that every visit to this temple of modern theatre, The Young Vic, is rewarded with the unexpected. This time it is Che Walker’s Been So Long which takes an innovative look at the musical, bringing some fresh, lively and engaging realism to the stage.
Been So Long is set in a night club on the verge of closing down. Lovelorn barman Barney serves drinks to the few visitors who still pass through, including slightly psychotic Gil, who seems perpetually on the verge of starting a fight, and Raymond who is perpetually on the verge of, if not actually, seducing a woman. Simone and Yvonne arrive and sizzle with sexual energy from their entrance. Yvonne’s I Want A Man is filled with ladette passion and explicit fantasy and launches this magnificent character onto the stage. Simone is a lot calmer, more subtle and destined to change Raymond’s life.
Walkers writing is a lesson in modern club seduction. Coupled with rap, soul, wit and humour he has crafted a tight, compelling tale of youthful relationships that would delight any (open minded) audience.
Naana Agyei-Ampadu’s Yvonne is full-on, beautiful, sassy, with a powerful belt and songs to match. She gets a gloriously fun character to play, which she energises, leaving a lasting impression.
Harry Hepple’s Gil switches from dangerously edgy to touchingly comic in a tremendous, but bizarre, machete wielding scene. Arinze Kene’s Raymond LeGendre is charming and silky smooth as the predator who discovers his heart. Cat Simmons’ Simone shares understated with Omar Lyefook’s Barney; both imbue Been So Long with some charmingly affecting scenes.
Been So Long comes in well under two hours, without a break, and maintains its momentum with seriously witty dialogue and some fine original music. It's a show to inspire and entertain a youthful audience and its originality will, let's hope, inspire writers to bring more of this ilk to Southwark’s groundbreaking venue.
Yvonne: Naana Agyei-Ampadu.
Gil: Harry Hepple.
Raymond: Arinze Kene.
Barney: Omar Lyefook.
Simone: Cat Simmons.
Backing Vocals: Samantha-Antoinette Smith, Gemma Knight Jones, Jenessa Qua.
Director: Che Walker.
Designer: Dick Bird.
Lighting: Jon Clark.
Sound: Paul Arditti.
Choreographer: Bonnie Oddie.
2009-06-22 16:32:24