Stage Review 4 WALLS

Pictured: Joseph Black as Landlord, Ida Regan as Lotty,
and Saxophonist Marcus Joseph
Photograph by Grant Archer

4 Walls is a Derby Theatre Production as part of Derby CAN (Derby Creative Arts Network): 

'... where organisations create theatre and live events in partnership with people who live in Derby and surrounding areas' Derby Theatre (2023)

A show that is obviously popular with those attached to the Hip Hop community of Derby City. The turn out was high to see writer Rukus Watson's first play 4 Walls; an exploration of the meaning of 'home'.

4 Walls presents the narratives of individuals from families, friends and neighbours who share common ground in Derby.

There are dramatic scenes, drama that depicts death and violence, but there are light moments too especially in the Act I and some storytelling is thought provoking.

The winning content is the music and movement. This show has great energy. Joseph Black as Landlord has a voice that is distinct in pitch and his delivery really drives the mood and emotional heart of this play. Black's warmth and informality resonated with the audience, who responded to his invitations to sing along to known songs, and, despite the stifling heat in the auditorium, people were in good spirits and hugely supportive.

The remaining six professional cast members including Timotei Cobeanu and Jerone March-Reid show great versatility in their performances. The vocal harmonies led by the seriously soulful, Donna Briscoe Greene are special.

The beats play their part too and the community ensemble cast demonstrates an intuitiveness to the rhythm and to the Hip Hop format that complements the lead actors.

The stage set, video and projection work, sound and lighting is masterful.

A community arts project done good!

**ENDS**

Review by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended the press night performance of 4 Walls on Friday 08 Sept 7.00 pm

References

baby people https://www.babypeople.co.uk/

Derby Can https://derbytheatre.co.uk/about-us/what-we-do/project-derby-can/


Derby Theatre Press Release 4 WALLS (August 2023)


Derby Theatre website https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/4-walls-2023/


Derby Theatre 4 Walls programme (2023)