RUSH describes itself as a ‘joyous Jamaican journey’ and that may be true for full on Jamaicans but for us, outside of that genrel it felt that we were at times well – outsiders!
It all started off pleasantly enough when we are greeted enthusiastically by Ken Dread DJ and introduced to the band that play a reggae overture to set the mood.
Then on comes comedian John Simmitt our narrator for the evening with his chosen subject of the history of Jamaica and in particular the Windrush generation that came here between 1948 and 1973.
Some of Simmits’ early stuff about Christopher Columbus discovering Jamaica had me laughing out loud – indeed much of act one I found inclusive, informative and often profound.
In act two Simmits’ delivery became more and more frantic, difficult to comprehend and dare I say enhanced the stereotype which I thought the purpose of the show was to overturn – the so called joyous journey became woefully lacking in joy.
The music was great though, a fab band under the baton of musical director Orvil Pinrock, with lead vocals by IKA, a smooth toned Brummie and a belting soul queen, Janice Williamson. Tunes from Desmond Decker through to Bob Marley had the auditorium swaying
In truth this was a concert with a narrator not a theatre show and bearing that in mind the only set was the Powerpoint pictures on a screen that looked like something you’d have at home to show you’re holiday slides. The images and footage was unacceptably poor to the point of being unwatchable.
The Windrush generation brought many great things to our city and nation, which I was hoping to celebrate – didn’t happen – expected more but I’m afraid for me the joyous journey got lost in translation.
Rush is at The Birmingham Rep until Saturday, April 29. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
