The Lonely Londoners
Theatre is at its most powerful when it entertains but also challenges audiences. Theatre should be enjoyable, but it should also take us out of our comfort zones and invite us to reflect on life as it is. The Lonely Londoners does all of this and more.
Roy Williams' stage adaptation of Sam Selvon’s 1956 book of the same name could have been written today, despite it being set over 75 years ago in the post-Windrush period. It tells the story of Moses (Solomon Israel) who has settled in the West of London from Trinidad. He seems easy-going and is the ‘go-to’ guy for others making their way to London at the invitation of the British government. As the piece develops we see moments of torment as the ghosts of his past life haunt him.
Of course, we know that this period of history didn’t go the way it was supposed to. White Brits weren’t so keen on this reverse colonisation and many who came for a better life were faced with hostility, racism and the apocryphal signs of ‘No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs’. Williams' writing deals with all of this with a heady mix of humour, pathos and toe-curling moments for us an audience, recognising so much injustice in the piece.
Each character is so well developed, instantly recognisable and relatable. Special mention goes to Carol Moses, playing Tanty, the matriarchal figure. As residents of Notting Hill, we have met this character so many times. Her portrayal was outstanding. This in no way should detract from the skill of the other 6 performers who bring all the humour, and heartache needed for this historical story. Much of the humour comes from the character of Lewis (Tobi Bakare) who can’t seem to accurately remember one single place name in London.
This production has it all, thanks to the skill of director Ebenezer Bamgboye. There are haunting songs, brought through the spirit of Christina (Aimée Powell) and some stunning movement choreographed by Nevena Stojkov.
This is another successful production staged at The Kiln. Its success is in part due to the local nature of the story. Having lived in the area for a little while, we can picture many of the streets and buildings referenced in the script. It brings home all that this generation experienced, pursuing the offer a better life that was never going to be as described. The sad truth is, that many of their experiences are still present today. Some of these in subtle ways. For example, there is little evidence of the Windrush generation or their decedents living in the now gentrified and over-priced areas in which they originally set up home.
This is a story that needs telling and retelling, and, thanks to The Kiln, to Selvon and Williams, we hear the voices of those who might otherwise have been silenced long ago.
This is theatre at its best.
This show was reviewed on the 16th January 2025 at The Kiln Theatre, London where it runs until the 22nd February 2025. Tickets available here: The Lonely Londoners | Kiln Theatre
Review written by Ian Worsfold & Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Steve Gregson
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