Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer & Director: Jeremy Onwubolu Gabriel
“Relatable Reminiscing“
4 / 5
Growing up in South-East London in the nineties & 2000s mean your younger years consisted of 20p mix-ups, running out of minutes on your phone and always having a Pritt Stick on hand to update your very expired bus pass. While it might not feel all that long ago, the changes since then have been vast, so this relatable reminisce back in the past is a fantastically enjoyable throwback.
Yinka (Duayne Boa), Tony (Khali Best) and Damon (Afolabi Alli) have been friends since secondary school and have been succeeding ever since, becoming respected experts in their fields of choice and role models for future generations to look up to. Catching up over drinks at a local bar, they look back at how their friendships were formed as well as all the memories they shared that have led them to this point in time. A lot of years have passed, but as they all agree – time flies. The audience are treated to various flashbacks throughout their friendship – from Yinka’s first day at secondary school, to Funky House raves at university. The boys quickly became a tight-knit friendship group when they met, and while they may have grown up and cemented their futures, their bond and banter remain intact as they walk down memory lane together.
This is such a funny, light-hearted, realistic storyline that transports the audience straight back into the past. Humorous references to old slang words (haven’t heard anyone say breakers or tick in at least 20 years!) and situations of the time run throughout the storyline, which is accompanied by an equally brilliant throwback soundtrack (Joshua Barber) that sets the tone even further. While those who didn’t grow up in SE London during that time may not relate to some of the wonderfully funny situations, it doesn’t detract from it being a well-formed, genuine narrative that still has a purpose, outside of all the humorous antics the characters find themselves in. There are multiple references to the pride of breaking stereotypes, as well as the casual racism experienced through surnames being ‘too hard to pronounce’, which are embedded into the production seamlessly, while still making them notable focal points of the story.
Boa, Best and Alli are a fantastic group of performers who have perfected their comedic timing and on-stage chemistry. The trio ensure that the writing comes to life with their realistic characterisations and enthusiastic energy, while the breaks of the fourth wall are very well integrated. A fun show that will have you leaving full of memories you’d completely forgotten about!
Runs Until 2 May 2024
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