“If music be the food of love, play on”, one of Shakespeare’s most famous lines from Twelfth Night, inspires the title of Play On!, currently staged at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. While loosely based on the Bard’s original play, this production is far from traditional Shakespeare. Instead, it offers a vibrant and vivacious voyage through the story, set against the backdrop of the 1940s Harlem jazz scene and brought to life through the energetic and expressive music of Duke Ellington.
The story follows Viola (Tsemaye Bob-Egbe), a determined young songwriter who arrives in New York hoping to break into Harlem’s jazz scene. She seeks out her Uncle Jester (Llewellyn Jamal), who she believes can introduce her to The Duke (Earl Gregory), the Cotton Club’s resident songwriter. However, she quickly learns that success in the male-dominated industry will be an uphill battle.
Undeterred, Viola and Jester devise a plan in which she disguises herself as a man and adopts the name Vyman, in the hope that The Duke will take her song writing seriously. Complicating matters, Viola finds herself drawn to The Duke but must suppress her feelings to maintain her disguise. Meanwhile, The Duke remains attracted with the club’s star singer, Lady Liv (KoKo Alexandra), his former muse.
Recognising Vyman’s talent, The Duke encourages him to present one of his songs to Lady Liv, hoping it will impress her enough to rekindle their romance. However, Lady Liv, yearning for affection, finds herself more intrigued by Vyman than the song itself. Unaware of his true identity, she flirts with him, setting the stage for a tangled web of romantic misunderstandings and subplots reminiscent of the Shakespearean play on which the story is based.
Tsemaye Bob-Egbe delivers a compelling performance as Viola/Vyman. While it’s not entirely convincing that she could pass as a man, this hardly matters because her charm, charisma and engaging presence make her captivating. Her vocal talent shines in every song, bringing both power and emotion to the role. Earl Gregory embodies The Duke with a charismatic stage presence, fully capturing the essence of a 1940s jazz icon. Beyond his suave exterior, he capably conveys the character’s vulnerability and frustration, grappling with writer’s block and his unrequited love for Lady Liv.
The standout performance comes from KoKo Alexandra as Lady Liv, the nightclub singer whose musical numbers are among the show’s highlights. Her flawless delivery and ability to hit every note with precision make her a true vocal powerhouse. Beyond her impressive singing, she effortlessly embodies Lady Liv’s diva-like persona while also revealing the character’s vulnerability and deep longing for love.
The supporting cast is excellent, bringing both humour and depth to the production. Llewellyn Jamal’s Jester delivers great comedic timing, providing moments of light-heartedness that contrast well with the play’s more dramatic moments. Cameron Bernard Jones as Rev and Lifford Shillingford as Sweets also impress, their performances adding richness and joy to the story. In fact, the entire ensemble is superb, with each actor playing an essential role in creating the world of the play, ensuring that even the smaller characters leave a lasting impact.
Michael Buffong’s direction expertly balances the play’s comedic and dramatic elements, skilfully navigating its complex narrative while staying true to the spirit of Shakespeare’s original, despite its occasional far-fetched moments. The choreography by Kendrick H2O Sandy is well-executed fusion of jazz and contemporary dance, successfully capturing the lively energy of the Cotton Club.
The second act is a bit lighter on plot but this allows the music to take centre stage. The musical selections showcase Duke Ellington’s immense range and talent, although some songs integrate more seamlessly into the narrative than others.
Play On! is a triumph, offering a fresh and dynamic take on a classic tale. The interaction between the cast, direction and musical elements creates a production that is both dramatic and joyous, making for an entertaining and memorable night at the theatre. It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work and the timeless appeal of jazz. While not a flawless production, it is certainly an impressive one. If you get an opportunity to see this vibrant reimagining of a Shakespearean classic, I suggest you take it.
Need to know: Play On! plays at Lyric Hammersmith until 22 Feb 2025
