We round up the reviews for the play that delves into the history of the Brixton Academy, based on the memoir by Simon Parkes.
Broadway World: **** “Brixton Calling is a passionate and powerful perspective of the history of an iconic music venue, with Runham and Sitima both giving fantastic acting and musical performances to bring the story of Simon Parkes to life. Whether you’re a theatre fan or a music lover, you’re sure to find something to love in the show.”
The Stage: **** “Inspired by Simon Parkes’ memoir, Alex Urwin’s two-person play about the Brixton Academy is hugely enjoyable gig theatre.”
The Guardian: *** “It glosses over too much in a rush to get through decades of history and politics in 90 minutes. But the production’s energy is incredibly infectious, and leaves you thinking about all that remains soaked within the walls of a single building.”
Time Out: *** “Brixton Calling is a powerful reminder of how places and people shape culture. And for many in the audience, the play is a joyful nod to years gone by: I see a group of men in band t-shirts with tears in their eyes. The venue’s legacy is palpable and there’s a beating heart of community that continues to echo long after the last encore.”
A Young(ish) Perspective: **** “This story exists against the backdrop of 1980s Brixton. The writing and direction pay homage to the undeniable influence of community, especially the Black and Queer communities. Brixton Calling is music history being made. An undeniable triumph of heart, challenge and community.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “For most of its period under Parkes and Lawes’ charge, the Brixton Academy was on a financial knife-edge, using next week’s bar takings and ticket sales to pay this week’s costs. But more than money, what it was powered by was love, enthusiasm, resilience and more than a little bit of luck. That is the same sense that one gets with Brixton Calling, a labour of love that has paid off in ways from which we can all profit.”
The Arts Desk: ***** “Casting is critical in shows like this and director, Bronagh Lagan, hit the jackpot with Max Runham and Tendai Sitima as our two heroes, Simon and Johnny (along with playing a few others).”
Everything Theatre: **** “Parkes’s memoir is fully titled Live at the Brixton Academy: A Riotous Life in the Music Business, and it’s more than fair to say that Runham and Sitima capture that riotous life bringing an equally riotous energy to their characters. Go see this play, read Parkes’ book, and perhaps go book a ticket (standing of course) for something coming up at Brixton Academy.”
The Standard: *** “Despite the pedestrian, this-happened-then-that-happened nature of the narrative, this is a story rich with incidental detail and myth, powered by two absurd, OTT performances. Pretty rock ‘n’ roll, in other words.”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2 “Singer-songwriter Runham has a tremendous vocal range and brings charisma and wry humour to an immensely energetic turn as Parkes. A likeable Sitima charms, sings impeccably, plays mean guitar and keyboards, and makes the most of the show’s best comic moments.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “Brixton Calling is a revolutionary project that I hope goes on to have more life after this run, as it’s an imperative piece of theatre for so many of us. The comedy is tight, the music is brilliant, and the two actors are perfect for these roles. It is rare to be able to capture a story like this so well that the audience feels like their right there in every scene, but this is a story of redefining expectations after all.”
theatre.revstan.com: ***** “It is a play that is full and full on, in the best sense, although the music does occasionally drown out the dialogue. It is cheeky, humorous and occasionally tense, full of energy with plenty of toe-tapping or head nodding (depending on your preference).”
Mind The Blog: ***** “Although this production is very well suited to The Little, I would love to see it given a chance in The Large somewhere down the line – or, even better, the opportunity to tour and/or hit one of the more intimate West End theatres. It’s one of those truly brilliant stories that needs and deserves to be experienced by as many people as possible. Great entertainment that feels absolutely vital.”
London Theatre 1: ***** “Ultimately, Brixton Calling is a combination of a love story between one man and a building, and an exploration of the life of someone who has the sheer chutzpah to have a dream and, despite all the odds, jump in with both feet and a total belief that nothing will stop him. A truly awesome show!”
All That Dazzles: **** “Thoughtful, frantic, and an utter delight, Brixton Calling is a lesson in rock and roll history which shines a light on a man who bridged gaps between races, ethnicities, genres, even boroughs. An essential and invigorating piece of London history, I can’t advise enough that those set to go in blind do no preparatory research. Everything you need to know is right there, and the strength of the work on all sides will ensure you feel like you and Simon Parkes are old friends by the time the lights come down.”
Brixton Calling continues to play at the Southwark Playhouse until the 16th August.