⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
18th July 2019
Review by Shaun Tossell
The Color Purple has returned to the UK in this new co-production between the Curve Theatre Leicester and Birmingham Hippodrome.
This landmark musical is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker, also famously adapted for film by Steven Spielberg, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.
This is the show that demonstrated to the world that Cynthia Erivo is a bonafide star.
The Color Purple chronicles the life and extraordinary hardships of Celie, following her from childhood, through heartbreak and despair, to discover the healing power of love and strength within herself.
T’Shan Williams pours heart and soul into her star-making turn as Celie ; Bringing innocence and a tenderness to the role. She brings the house down with the showstopping number “I’m Here”.
Joanna Francis is a wonderfully playful, no nonsense Shug Avery. She has wonderful chemistry with T’Shan Williams, both respectful of the importance, in the portrayal of the special relationship these characters have.
Ako Mitchell is a domineering presence as Mister, really making you hate him before he shows you the human behind the cold, dismissive character we are first introduced to.
Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Mister’s son Harpo, Karen Mavundukure as his wife Sophia bring the laughs during the shows lighter moments; their hilarious joint number “Any Little Thing” being a highlight.
I could go on, the rest of this cast are outstanding, each adding something special in bringing this story to life.
The set design evokes the churches of the American South, with its painted white wooden slats, transforming seamlessly between scenes.
The lighting bathes the show throughout in shades of purple, giving it a beautiful otherworldly look, to offset the harshness of the story being told.
The songs and score are mix of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, which are brought to life by the phenomenonal voices of the cast.
The Color Purple is a life-affirming triumph, showing you the healing power of love will always win.
