Levi David Addai just keeps them the plays rolling in. His latest offering, Oxford Street, puts life on one of Britain’s busiest street as it is, onto the British stage.
Set in a discount sportswear shop, with characters that are easily recognisable if you have dared to brace one of Europe’s most famous shopping districts. Oxford Street tells the story of Kofi, a university graduate, who dreams of becoming a journalist but for now, he has to settle for the role of a security guard at Total Sports. While he plans the best way to work his way up on the journalism ladder.
Kofi gets on with his colleagues and is fond of the fast talking Loraina, who dreams of making it big time in the music industry, claiming, “I didn’t pick performing arts, performing arts chose me.” An all too familiar statement if you have ever had to hold down a part time job while pursuing your dream. His boss, Emmanuel (Cyril Nri) has a soft spot for him. Things are running smoothly until Darrell, an old mate turns up and Kofi has to make some tough decisions.
Soutra Gilmour’s ability to turn The Jerwood theatre Upstairs into one of the most vibrant sports shop in theatre has to be commended for the way it replicates life as you know it in any one of the sports shop on Oxford Street on the stage.
Dawn Walton’s direction of Oxford Street is lively and without a doubt, a witty and entertaining production that captures a slice of life for what it is. The cast is equally as vibrant. They are not afraid to tell you about their dissatisfaction but they are able to maintain their sense of humour.
Nathaniel Martello-White is strong as Kofi and Ashley Walters captures the trouble making Darrell superbly. Preeya Kalidas is brilliant as Loraina and Kristian Kiehling is the Polish security guard who takes his job more seriously than life itself but he will make you laugh.
Addai’s ability to capture life from the British African viewpoint and posses a voice that tells you about life in London as it is, is to be admired. If this young man continues on this path, this is a name you are bound to see and hear more of on the British theatre scene in years to come.
Director Dawn Walton
Designer Soutra Gilmour
Lighting Philip Gladwell
Sound Carolyn Downing
Movement Ann Yee
Cast: Reece Beaumont, Preeya Kalidas, Daniel Kaluuya, Kristian Kiehling, Amelia Lowdell, Nathaniel Martello-White, Cyril Nri, Ashley Walters, Shane Zaza
Oxford Street is now showing at the Royal Court Theatre until 31 May 2008
Visit: www.royalcourttheatre.com
Tel: 0207 565 5000
Image: Johan Persson
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