A simmering pot of tensions finally boils over in Sophia Griffin's scorching debut play, set amidst the sterile corridors of a secure hospital in Birmingham. Here, occupational therapist Naomi hosts weekly Caribbean cooking classes, hoping to bridge gaps and facilitate difficult conversations among the men.
As these sessions unfold, the men's pasts gradually lose their hazy quality, revealing complex, multidimensional characters. Corey Weekes shines as Ty, a witty but desperate young man yearning for freedom after serving time in prison. David Webber delivers an exceptional performance as Leroy, whose lengthy stay on the ward is fueled by equal measures of fear and longing for liberation. Meanwhile, Darrel Bailey brings depth to Daniel, the newest arrival with a drive to reconnect with his family after being "fixed".
Griffin masterfully crafts each character's narrative, gradually unveiling their troubled histories in a way that feels like a punch to the gut. It is only when we come to understand the full scope of their lives that the true depths of their struggles become apparent.
The interplay between these characters is electric, as banter and tension simmer just below the surface. Even seemingly innocuous moments – like cooking for loved ones on friends-and-family day – take on monumental significance in this environment. Campbell's direction is noteworthy, with kinetic movement sequences that evoke violent outbursts of emotion. The use of sound design by XANA expertly heightens the sense of unease.
Despite its powerful message and well-crafted performances, the play concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving audiences hungry for more. Griffin paints a searing portrait of a system in crisis, where Naomi's determination to effect change is met with unyielding resistance from those above her.
As these sessions unfold, the men's pasts gradually lose their hazy quality, revealing complex, multidimensional characters. Corey Weekes shines as Ty, a witty but desperate young man yearning for freedom after serving time in prison. David Webber delivers an exceptional performance as Leroy, whose lengthy stay on the ward is fueled by equal measures of fear and longing for liberation. Meanwhile, Darrel Bailey brings depth to Daniel, the newest arrival with a drive to reconnect with his family after being "fixed".
Griffin masterfully crafts each character's narrative, gradually unveiling their troubled histories in a way that feels like a punch to the gut. It is only when we come to understand the full scope of their lives that the true depths of their struggles become apparent.
The interplay between these characters is electric, as banter and tension simmer just below the surface. Even seemingly innocuous moments – like cooking for loved ones on friends-and-family day – take on monumental significance in this environment. Campbell's direction is noteworthy, with kinetic movement sequences that evoke violent outbursts of emotion. The use of sound design by XANA expertly heightens the sense of unease.
Despite its powerful message and well-crafted performances, the play concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving audiences hungry for more. Griffin paints a searing portrait of a system in crisis, where Naomi's determination to effect change is met with unyielding resistance from those above her.
. Naomi's attempts to bridge gaps and facilitate conversations are admirable, but is she fighting against an entrenched bureaucracy or just a symptom of a larger issue? It feels like we're being presented with two opposing ideologies: one that says we need to break down barriers to understand each other, while the other suggests that these very individuals might be the ones holding us back. I'm not sure which one is true, but I do know that as long as there's resistance to meaningful reform, progress will be slow 
. Can't help but wonder what kind of policy changes would actually allow Naomi's work to flourish in this environment 
. But what struck me most was how real it felt - we're not talking about some sugarcoated issues here; we're talking about the gritty stuff that keeps people up at night 
. And that ending, ugh... it's like you couldn't breathe for a sec after it was all over 
. I'm kinda hoping they do a sequel or something to give Naomi (and us) some closure 
corey weekes as ty gave me all the feels, that young man's story broke my heart 
and the way the characters' histories unravel is just masterfully done - you feel like you're right there with them, experiencing their struggles firsthand 
. The cast is incredible, with standout performances from Corey Weekes and David Webber - their characters' stories had me on the edge of my seat! 
But what really stuck with me was how Griffin's direction masterfully balances humor and heartache, making it feel like a real conversation among these characters 
. Can't wait to see more of her work 
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. Naomi's cooking classes are literally the heart of the show, bringing these dudes together in a way that makes you wanna jump outta your seat 
And can we talk about the cast? Corey Weekes and David Webber are absolute rockstars as Ty and Leroy - I'm still reeling from their performances 
. I love how the tension simmers just beneath the surface, it's like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off 
it left me feeling all the feels... need more of this story ASAP!
, I think it's actually doing just that - it's making you feel all these emotions and then leaving you with nothing to do but ponder what just happened? 
, isn't this just another play about people having problems and struggling to overcome them? I mean, doesn't that feel a bit overdone? 
.
The way the play masterfully weaves these characters' stories together, it's like you're witnessing a slow-motion train wreck that you can't look away from 
But in reality, the system has other plans, pushing her determination into this dark, foreboding place... the ending left me feeling kinda unsettled 
and the way the tension builds between them is just palpable 
and ugh, that ending has been stuck in my head since i read the review... who's gonna fix Naomi? 
. Naomi's Caribbean cooking classes are literally the highlight of the whole thing - who wouldn't want to learn how to make jerk chicken while talking about their past? 
. And that sound design? Mind blown 
. I felt like I was right there with those characters, feeling all their emotions and struggles.
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I am SO obsessed with this play! 
for bringing people together and starting difficult conversations 
David Webber as Leroy is soooo good 
Darrel Bailey as Daniel is adding depth to the story in a major way 
Campbell's direction is insane 
But at the same time, it leaves you wanting more 
Like, can we get a sequel? 
This play is, honestly, giving me all the feels 
its like we get to see the humanity in him despite everything he's been through, you know? and david webber's performance as leroy is giving me LIFE 
... but what really got me was how the play makes u think about systemic issues and how they affect ppl on a daily basis 
But yeah, that ending... I need more! 
david webber as leroy too, gives me chills every time 
it's like we were all there with them, feeling their pain and struggling alongside them 
. Campbell's direction was insane though, like a masterclass in building tension without even saying much