The Lonely Londoners, Kiln Theatre Review
Romario Simpson (Galahad) in The Lonely Londoners. Photo by Steve Gregson
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The streets of London are definitely not paved with gold in this stunning staging of The Lonely Londoners at the Kiln Theatre, which transfers there following its run at the Jermyn Street Theatre last year. Based on the original 1956 book by Sam Selvon, the first book of his London trilogy, this adaptation focuses on the travels, tribulations and triumphs of the Windrush generation experiences in London. 77 years after HM Windrush brought individuals from the Caribbean to Britain’s shores, this play highlights the racism, poor housing and work struggles that this generation faced every day. Skilfully directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye to polish and shine every nuance, this stage adaptation has been written by Roy Williams, London’s finest modern playwright, and is a beautifully adapted jewel to add to his amazing catalogue.
The superb seven strong cast all represent working class characters from the Caribbean. We first meet our narrator and linchpin of the cast in Moses (Solomon Isreal) a downtrodden Trinidadian who is still struggling after living in London for over ten years and is the one you ask for help when you arrive. Next, we have Big City (Gilbert Kyem Jnr) whose amusing mangle of London landmark names aside, struggles with finding his feet in a job and flirts dangerously close to a life of crime. We also have young dreamer Henry ‘Galahad’ Oliver (Romario Simpson), who arrives in London with nothing more than a toothbrush and a single set of pyjamas. His high ideals and dreams of a beautiful life in London are quickly torn into disappointments and disillusion despite his efforts to make the world a better place around him. In flashbacks, we meet Christina (Aimee Powell) whose beautifully ethereal voice and even more tragic tale will bring tears to your eyes. Finally, we meet troubled and possessive Lewis (Tobi Bakare), his empowered wife Agnes (Shannon Hayes) and determined mother Tanty (Carol Moses). Unlike most plays, there’s not a single plot but many vignettes and snapshots of their experiences in London, including catching pigeons to stave off hunger and finding work. The chemistry between this cast was phenomenal and they truly elevate the show in every possible way.
This story contains many important themes including racism, domestic violence, homesickness, Rachmanism, worker’s rights as well as the struggles of daily life in London itself. Each theme is worked seamlessly into this story and all are given equal gravitas. The city of London is also one of the biggest characters in its own right in the play as its capricious cruelty and charm are equally hinted at throughout. The staging also deftly showcases the plight these characters endure and what little they have as it is completely stripped beyond a few boxes that contain hats and simple necessities which double as seats for the actors throughout. This is in contrast with the brightly flashing lights that are set across the whole of the stage walls which flash brightly throughout and add gravitas to the fight scenes. However, this can also give you a strong headache as the lights flash brighter than the sun in key moments of the play.
Although these characters go through some truly challenging times and face tremendous heartbreak and ordeals, this play does not feel sad. Instead, we see the humour each character resolutely pulls into their life to help them keep moving forwards and the members of their small community helping each other to make it through another day. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring to watch and you will leave the theatre thinking of this play for a long time afterwards.
I anticipate that this show will sell out very quickly as its joy de vie and strength is infectious to watch and merits a repeat viewing. I also could see this show transferring well to the West End in future and deeply look forward to that day. If you enjoy powerful shows that remind you of the indomitability and resilience of the human spirit, the power to be found in your community, wish to find out more about the Windrush generation and enjoy a celebration of the Caribbean community in London then this is the show for you.
At Kiln Theatre until 22 February 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
