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THE UK CORNER (Theatre Review): Been So Long
The production sees the acting debut of celebrated Soul singer Omar Lyefook, who competently becomes the lovelorn Bartender Barney. Initially, his sparse dialogue suggests he is only a minor character at the Bar Phoenix – a bar about to descend into the ashes – but as they play develops, the audience is reminded just how critical a bartender, even one of few words as Barney, can be in the lives of socialites.
However, ‘love does not drink there anymore’ as Barney sings, it gets its freak on at Jakes the bar across the road! Still, love’s losers wander through the doors of the Phoenix seeking solace. Instead they find comfort only in battle – their foreplay is cursed wordplay.
Gill (Harry Hepple), a young layabout, is intent to avenge the smooth lothario Raymond LeGendre (Arinze Kene) who stole his girlfriend. But, more wimp than pimp, he is challenged to stand up to Simone and Yvonne on their night on the pull. But then many would buckle in the face of Yvonne’s raw and direct tirades.
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Naana Agyei-Ampadu as Yvonne
Naana Agyei-Ampadu as Yvonne can be relied upon to fiercely deliver sharp diatribe and witty retorts. Like the rest of the cast, she can equally dazzle vocally. It is easy to see why Walker reselected her following her appearance in The Frontline.
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Omar Lyefook as Barney and Cat Simmons as Simone
Her partner in crime Simone, played by Cat Simmons, best known for her work on the televised serial drama The Bill, is more reserved and hesitant to dance with love again. But soon enough she is twisting and turning in a tumultuous affair with LeGendre, who has met his match.
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Omar Lyefook as Barney and Naana Agyei-Ampadu
This is another hit from Walker whose reputation elicits support from fellow playwright Roy Williams and The Frontline actress Jo Martin, who attended the press night. Ignited by a colourful soundtrack, Arthur Darville’s lyrics are poignant and illuminated by his live band and soulful backing singers who bring the set to life.
As with the Globe, where The Frontline ran, in this intimate theatre the audience easily become voyeurs in the complex lives of the characters onstage. When the actors walk through the crowd near the end of the play for the final song, it serves as reminder that we could be them ¬– such is love’s universal reach. The fantastical and realistic scenarios that the characters depict will touch a nerve for someone.
The only slight reservation I had was a sense of unease with Gil’s brandishing of a knife when he threatens to attack Raymond. With knife crime rife in the UK I felt it was a touch inappropriate yet Walker made implicit reference to the inadequate sentencing. But if you want to leave politics aside for an evening, be prepared to fall in love with this play.
Been So Long plays at the Young Vic until 15 July. Tickets 22.50, previews £15.
See the cast perform the 'Girl's Night Out' on the Young Vic YouTube site: www.youtube.com/youngvictheatre
For more information visit: http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on?action=details&id=2613
The UK Corner covers urban entertainment from a British perspective and is compiled by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.
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