After a praised revival by the Leicester Curve in 2019, The Colour Purple has returned post-pandemic, co-produced with the Birmingham Hippodrome. Finally, the UK is being blessed with a production that hits a tidal wave of raw human emotion and celebrates the beauty and strength of female empowerment.
As I enter the theatre, a buzz of excitement fills each level as the audience takes their seat. A diverse variety of theatre-goers assemble as the pre-show chatter commences; an assortment of comments about the show, fans of the novel, film, musical and groups of individuals who have no idea what to expect.
Based on the 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker, The Colour Purple’s themes of rape, incest and domestic violence don’t quite sound like the recipe for an uplifting musical, yet this story of a woman’s survival against the tragedies that inflict her, make for a powerful tale and soul-touching experience. The plot begins in 1913 in the Southern States and follows the life of a young girl named Celie, a child who is consistently beaten and raped by her father, resulting in multiple pregnancies. Her two children Olivia and Adam are taken from her and their whereabouts are unknown to their young mother. After being married off to a cruel widower simply named Mister, Celie and her sister Nettie are torn apart, leaving her desolate and living in an abusive and isolating marriage. After a series of trialling events, we see Celie and the community around her grow into something beautiful and resilient.With a stirring score by Bray, Russell and Willis, the music can be described as nothing less than a joyous festivity of old blues, heavenly church-inspired choral numbers and utterly stunning vocals. To say there were musical highlights would be an injustice to the entire score which is filled from start to finish with deliciously glorious numbers. However, light must be shed on the female solos in this production. Numbers such as Hell No! and I’m Here left the audience riveted, invigorated, inspired, and moved to laughter and tears. Each ensemble number brought the stage to life and stirred a celebration of blackness, community and soul.
The simplistic set design by Alex Lowde did not fail to fill the stage and set each scene perfectly. A simple set indeed, but effective and visually beautiful. Two wooden structures, depicting an array of locations, with the unexpected delight of projections displayed above.
One cannot see this production without remarking on its impeccable casting. It is exceedingly rare to find a show where each actor could not be more perfect for their role.
From the head-strong Sofia played by spell-binding Anelisa Lamola to Jimand Allotey who plays the slender, high-pitched mistress Squeak. The ensemble cannot be faulted for its strength, unity and talent in abundance. Last mention must be given to the one-to-watch talent that is Me’sha Bryan - our protagonist Celie. Not only does she do justice to this incredible literary character and its legacy through film and musical adaptations, but plays this complex and beautiful LGBTQ+ role with such honesty and grace, not to mention the powerhouse and effortless vocals.
The Colour Purple is touring selected venues in the UK until November and if you see any show for the rest of the year, make sure this is it. With not one weak cast member and a production so intensely poignant, I cannot give this show any less than my highest rating.
Review by Esther Neville
Rating: ★★★★★
Seat: Stalls, J 31 | Price of Ticket: £47.00
