Cheeky Little Brown” at Bristol Old Vic is a captivating and thought-provoking production that takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions.
A collaboration between tiata fahodzi, Bristol Old Vic and the Belgrade theatre. This contemporary and modern love story is written by the Papatango Prize -winning playwright Nkenna Akunna and directed by acclaimed playwright and poet Chinonyerem Odimba
Tiajna Amayo is is a one-woman tour de force in this 90 minute one woman show. Her performance, as Lady, is incredible, emotional, stressful, funny and immensely real. Cheeky Little Brown is a deeply moving exploration of the complexities of identity, self-discovery, sexuality and the challenges faced by a young black girl in her home city.
The story starts at the party of her old friend Gemma, who she has not seen in a while, the set is simple but effective with big party balloons taking centre stage. In the intimate setting of the Western Studio we find ourselves part of the party entourage watching together to see what unfolds. Despite her brash facade and sharp tongue we quickly discover that all is not right between the old friends. We then follow Lady’s failed night out, and drunken journey home through the city, before finding out what happened between the best friends.
The incorporation of original songs into the performance adds another layer of depth to the narrative and these are mixed with a playlist of songs from Lady’s youth. The songs are a funny and well-judged break to the intensity of Lady’s story.
This is a funny and warm show and the production is a testament to the power of storytelling and is not to be missed.
Jacqui Ham
