REVIEW | Ain’t Too Proud, Prince Edward Theatre

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Emmie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

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There’s a new jukebox musical in the West End that is guaranteed to blow your socks off!

From the creators of the award-winning Jersey Boys, get ready to experience an exhilarating new musical. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations puts the perils of fame into the spotlight as we navigate a story of brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal set to the beat of the group’s catalogue of hits. 

The show mainly focuses on Detroit's roots and early modest success under the Motown banner. Otis Williams, who despite his brief stint in juvie, remains hugely passionate about creating a band. Meeting Melvin Franklin (Cameron Bernard Jones), a nice kid with a rich bass and the addition of two more members, Eddie Kendricks (Mitchell Zhangazha) and Paul Williams (Kyle Cox); a sound like no other is created. Over time they become the more notable Temptations after singing with Motown’s Berry Gordy. When the first lead singer leaves, they poach David Ruffin (Tosh Wanogho-Maud), a high-voltage tenor whose power is almost instant to the entire finishing product of this band. Their recognisable sound has been arranged in such a way it captures the audience in awe. 

Dominique Morisseau’s book and Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff have collectively done a brilliant job of not straying from the inevitable off-stage temptations like drugs, women, fame and alcohol integrated into this story. Conflicts occur within the group, and members of the group exit one by one leaving Williams the last man standing. Williams’ memoir plays a fantastic base for this story, whilst ensuring the production acknowledges the history that is unfolding around them. The nods to the Vietnam protests, the segregated South and the assassination of Martin Luther King are largely presented through Peter Nigrini’s projection design. This results in encouraging the audience to build a more contextual understanding of this story.  

There is a great build-up in the storytelling - with the Supremes appearing a few times to add in their electric vocal style to amp up the atmosphere. The most poignant moments of the show also came in the deaths of The Temptation stars. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we saw how these played out. 

Ain’t Too Proud is a sublime production and whilst fans of productions like Jersey Boys will notice the similarities almost immediately - this show definitely stands in its own league.

Sifiso Mazibuko does a flawless job at sustaining the character of Otis Williams - spending nearly the entire production present on the stage. Mazibuko really digs gives a well-respected portrayal of Otis and his journey through this show. 

Sergio Trujillo’s slick choreography combined with the beautifully blended vocals seeps through this incredibly talented cast, resulting in an unforgettable experience. Many of the ensemble transition through various roles, including some of the well-known names from the Motown era. Huge congratulations to this team; Evonnee Bentley-Holder, Natalia Brown, Ryan Carter, Hannah Fairclough, Christopher Gopaul, Daniel Haswell, Naomi Katiyo, Akmed Junior Khemalai, Holly Liburd, Darnell Mathew-James, Simeon Montague, Posi Morakinyo, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Michael James Stewart, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Dylan Turner and Kevin Yates.

So should you go and see Ain’t Too Proud? Absolutely. This production executes a strong nostalgic feel and the opportunity to indulge in the pleasure of witnessing five superb singers and dancers perform some of the greatest Motown songs, ever. 

• At Prince Edward Theatre, booking until 1 October 2023.