★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Bronagh

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

Recommended for ages 11+. This production contains the use of herbal cigarettes and haze. This production contains physical and emotional abuse of a child, racism including racially violent language and racial violence as well as references to suicide.

There really has been a buzz around the Almeida Theatre of late; Tammy Faye, A Streetcar Named Desire and now The Secret Life of Bees. Firstly a novel by Sue Monk Kidd and then adapted into a film in 2008, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of a group of women and their own personal quests; Rosaleen is fighting for her right to vote, Lily wants to escape her horribly abusive father and the Boatwright sisters are dealing with their own personal traumas. The show portrays the search for acceptance, a better life as well as the struggles of racism in 1960s America.

Firstly, the set design, perfected by Soutra Gilmours, and the lighting are visually beautiful. The set is simple but extremely effective, making full use of Almeida’s smaller stage. The stage is bathed in a dewy glow, we feel the sticky heat that our characters on stage do. We imagine the dusty roads that Rosaleen and Lily trek down while escaping the authorities and Lily’s abusive father, in the hunt for the Black Madonna. We’re transported to the Boatwright’s honey farm, home to the three sisters and can easily imagine bees buzzing around our heads. The brilliant use of a revolve deserves a mention too, it slots in so well in moments of the show.

Duncan Sheik and Susan Birkenhead have excelled with their musical score and accompanying lyrics; simply put, I can well imagine the songbook becoming a classic. From the first note, I fell in love with the music and just knew it would be brilliant. We get soul, we get the gospel and we get some beautifully done acapella. Truly outstanding, there are no other words to describe the music.

Last but certainly not least, the cast of The Secrets Lives of Bees is nothing short of magical. Eleanor Worthington-Cox and Abiona Omunua play Lily and Rosaleen respectively, and from the moment they took each other’s hands to run away, I knew this would be something special. Eleanor’s portrayal of Lily is beautifully sensitive and emotional, a contrast to Rosaleen’s determination and hunger for a better life and the ability to vote. The chemistry between Lily and Rosaleen is simply lovely, displaying sisterhood and solidarity. We hear less from Rosaleen in the second half, which is a shame and my only criticism overall.

The Boatwright sisters are played by Ava Brennan, Rachel John and Danielle Fiamanya, who have all trodden the boards of notable productions including The Tina Turner Musical, The Lion King and Frozen. This is the trio I didn’t realise I needed in my life; beautiful, sensitive emotional performances. From Rachel’s matriarchal August, motherly and comforting, to Danielle Fiamanya’s May, quiet and battling depression following the death of her twin. Ava Brennan’s June is a standout performance, on a journey of her own where we see more layers to her. All three roles are beautifully performed, and are an asset to the show.

We also have Tarinn Callender as Neil and Noah Thomas as Zachary. Both characters are so loveable, and we really do root for Neil when he’s trying his hardest to win June’s affection. Zachary is a sweeter character, with some fantastic dance moves. The supporting cast overall is brilliant and as we know, are the glue that keeps the show together.

The themes of the show are handled extremely well; from the prevalent racism, and the mental health battles to the use of faith and prayer. This alongside a stellar cast and stunning music makes for an exceptional show and an incredible debut. The Secret Life of Bees is a must-see before it closes.