Have you ever wondered what really happens at a hot wing challenge? How do they manage to season so many wings so quickly? Where do they come up with all the unique flavours? How do they cook them all so evenly? All this and more will be revealed in Katori Hall‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Hot Wing King.
Set in Memphis, Cordell (Kadiff Kirwan) is preparing to debut his new creation at an annual hot wing competition. Having recently moved from his hometown in St. Louis to Memphis to be with his new partner, Dwayne (Simon-Anthony Rhoden), Cordell is doing everything he can to settle in and make both the move and his relationship work.
What appears to be a picture-perfect relationship is far from it. After leaving his wife for Dwayne and moving to a new state to start a new life, Cordell is now unemployed, unable to finalise his divorce, and riddled with guilt about leaving his two sons in St. Louis. Frustrated and emotionally fragile, Cordell’s temper is rising. The only thing keeping him distracted is the hope of being crowned the Hot Wing King and winning the prize money.
Tensions rise when Dwayne’s teenage nephew, Everett (Kaireece Denton), shows up at their home unexpectedly. With the anniversary of his mother’s death approaching and his father, TJ (Dwayne Walcott), caught up in trapping, Everett is desperate for a safe place to stay.
Guilt ridden, Dwayne is ready to take his nephew in, but when Cordell learns about these new arrangements, he is furious, mainly because he has no say in the matter. Harsh words are exchanged, relationships become strained, and Everett ends up running away.
With the hot wing competition starting early in the morning, Cordell faces a tough decision: find Everett or season his wings. Filled with worry and guilt, he decides to search for Everett, leaving the wing preparation to his friend and barber, Big Charles (Jason Barnett), and his friend, Isom (Olisa Odele), who are a very dysfunctional unofficial couple. With the seasoning now in the wrong hands, will Cordell’s chance of being crowned the Hot Wing King be ruined?
Set in Dwayne and Cordell’s house, designed by Rajha Shakiry, you are instantly transported to a modern kitchen where hundreds of real chicken wings are being prepared and cooked on the stove. The set truly feels like an additional character to the play, adding depth and dimension to the show. The costumes, also designed by Rajha Shakiry, are clearly well-researched. Every actor looks believable, and each outfit perfectly matches their personality.
What I found interesting about Hot Wing King was the direction by Roy Alexander Weise, at times, it reminded me of a sitcom, where the audience watches the live recording. There was music to prompt different emotions and conversations, singing to make us cheer and clap, and dancing to keep us entertained. Although it occasionally felt a little out of place, it was a bold choice that worked pretty well.
What I loved most was the chemistry between the actors. From passion to anger, every performance was believable. I loved seeing black love in various forms, whether in romance, friendship, or family. It’s rare to see this on stage, especially among black men.
I also loved how well-developed each character was. Isom (Olisa Odele) was flamboyant, ratchet, and larger than life – I loved his character and thought Olisa was fantastic! Cordell (Kadiff Kirwan) was tough, arrogant, and vulnerable. Kadiff beautifully portrayed Cordell’s many sides. Dwayne (Simon-Anthony Rhoden) was funny, passionate, and confident, and I appreciated how Simon-Anthony wasn’t afraid to show Dwayne’s vulnerability regarding his feelings for both Cordell and Everett.
Everett (Kaireece Denton) was optimistic, brave, and determined. During a heated argument with Cordell, I felt every heartfelt word and truly believed his pain and frustration. Big Charles (Jason Barnett) was funny, cheeky, and raw. Jason embodied his character so well and kept us laughing throughout. TJ (Dwayne Walcott) was tough, emotionally unstable, and angry. I enjoyed seeing the many layers of TJ, and Dwayne Walcott was perfect for the role.
Overall, I enjoyed The Hot Wing King. It was funny, entertaining, and opened our eyes to black male love. In times when everything feels so depressing, it’s refreshing to watch something that isn’t taxing on the soul.
Although a few jokes were lost on me and the rest of the UK audience due to their American context, I still had plenty of laughs. The audience went wild for Isom’s high kicks and TJ’s extra hot, hot wing moment. We all loved the Luther Vandross sing-along and the impromptu group dance around the kitchen. After all, who doesn’t love to sing and dance in their kitchen?
Will I now try a hot wing? Hell no, I’m vegan, but I will say Hot Wing King is worth a watch!
NEED TO KNOW: The Hot Wing King plays at the National Theatre until 14 Sep 2024
