There has been a misconception within contemporary society
as to what is English culture, exclusively in London where there is a
multicultural civilisation, and the Bush Theatre’s newest production of Chris
Thompson’s, ‘Albion’ is one that sensibly and humbly teaches us how ethnic
groups should endeavour to work in good harmony. ‘Albion’, Chris Thompson’s
second published piece of work is set within an East London pub called The
Albion, where the many karaoke nights are taking place with youngest brother,
Jayson, an early-twenties gay man is a key enthusiastic with this medium of entertainment, is having a
closely private relationship with Aashir, a mid-twenties Asian. The romance has
been kept secretive due to the fact that Jayson's eldest sibling, Paul, and
black friends, Kyle are both extraordinarily racist towards the Asian community,
and are somewhat homophobic too. In addition to this, the pub is the unofficial
home of the English Protection Army, which is governed by Paul, and assisted by
Kyle because Paul and Jayson’s sister, Poppy, a soldier Poppy has been
massacred and publicly lynched on the tree. Understandably, both brothers and
Kyle are furious and hell-bent on revenge by instigating a protest, pleading
with the government to remove the entire Asian race from Great Britain.
Conversely, it appears that Jayson and Aasir’s relationship seems unaffected by
this, and Aasir makes the effort by practising some karaoke to arouse Jayson's
passion towards him. In contrast, the performance conveys a mayoral campaign
between Paul and former social worker, Christine who believe that we should
retain English values. Their tactics to
win are extremely poles apart, as Christine’s persona gives the impression of
warmth and charisma, compared to Paul’s vile approach, as he is unaccepting to changes within the English culture.
Thompson's narrative is hugely compelling, as the combination of well-known
karaoke favourites were ingeniously creative, as it expanded the play’s themes
in comprehensive detail. The performances by the company of ‘Albion’ were enthralling
throughout. Steve John Shepherd is divine as this somewhat idiosyncratic Paul.
One thought he showed the prejudiced individual with incredible supremacy. Tony
Clay is magnificent as Paul's young gay brother, Jayson, in particular his
undying passion towards his beloveds karaoke evenings. Dharmesh Patel is
beautiful as Jayson's love interest Aahir. His determination to become confident in
singing in front of everyone without any trepidation whatsoever, and the
elements of love with Jayson were extremely captivating. Natalie Casey is
elegantly unmatched as Christine, in particular the scenes with her former
client, Leanne, and how manipulative she can be especially in her campaign to
become Mayor of Tower Hamlets. Ria Parry’ direction is fetching as she has
captured quite thought-provoking themes with spectacular panache, and the
attention to detail through impeccable characterisation proved such amazement.
James Button’s design is phenomenal as the atmosphere in the interior of The
Albion has been created with increasing richness and the scenic transitions
were quite flawless. Rebecca McWalter’s production carpentry is mesmerising, especially
the realised bar area, as well as the other scenic components of the
production. It appears that the Bush Theatre is on top form, with the popularity
of the previous occupant, ‘Perseverance Drive’, as this one is on par too. In
conclusion, the experience of ‘Albion’ was exceedingly pleasurable, and I'd
recommend this to you.
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