Small Island- National Theatre Live

Photo credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg on National Theatre Website

The National Theatre's live cast of Small Island is completely enthralling. The interwoven storylines and complex characters take us on a journey to a Great Britain during the Second World War. Due to the Covid 19 outbreak, this is my first time reviewing a play via a streaming platform.

The play itself explores the racial inequality faced by Black people who had come to England on the Empire Windrush after the Second World War. Racism is a prominent issue in Small Island and it is not shied away from. This play educates us about the past, with insights into what England was like after the war and how the Black community were treated when they immigrated from places such as Jamaica. However, it continues to highlight the racial inequality during the late 1940’s and beyond. Thus allowing us to educate ourselves and assess the racism that is going on in the world today and how society can better itself and make positive changes. This play is relevant especially with the Black Lives Matter movement that is happening all over the world.

The storylines were particularly exciting as there were different conventions used to tell each of the characters stories. For example the audience were addressed directly through asides, flashbacks to childhood memories which were accompanied by narration from the character as an adult and finally song, I found the array of storytelling conventions engaging and it kept the piece itself fresh.

Rufus Norris’s direction was wonderful. He has managed to create seamless transitions between two different countries. The moving from one storyline to another was easy to follow as the characters often cross paths and move countries, I appreciated the ease of these transitions. The overall tone of the piece was excellent as it addresses a specific issue -racial inequality- in a very direct way but it also touches on sub themes which involve people wanting more from their lives and the lengths to which they will go to make this happen. This story is uplifting and educational and about hope in an uncertain time.

Leah Harvey who portrays Hortense is truly brilliant, her character goes on a journey of self-discovery. As an adult she has this tough exterior and it is clear to see it is hard for her to let people in. However, there are these brief moments where this exterior cracks and she lets herself be vulnerable, these traits make Harvey very accessible to the audience.

Gershwyn Eustache JNR plays Gilbert Joseph and he is incredibly charming and fun. We start with a fun loving but educated man who yearns for a better life in England. Gilbert’s character is strong and brave and there are many dynamic moments within the play where he stands up for his rights and Gershwyn Eustache JNR commands the stage in these moments.

Aisling Loftus is phenomenal, her character Queenie is kind hearted and very funny. Loftus does well to strike the delicate balance of being comedic and vulnerable. Her character -like most- in this play is completely accessible and her compassion and good nature is something we all aspire to.

Andrew Rothney’s portrayal of Bernard is awkward and haunting. Bernard is introverted and not very forthcoming with his emotions but Rothney does well to still make his characters awkwardness relatable to the audience. Bernard goes away to war as closed off but upon his return he opens up about his haunted thoughts of the war and these scenes are powerful.

CJ Beckford oozes charisma and a cheeky personality as Michael, we see this in his relationships with both Hortense and Queenie throughout the show. Much like Gilbert’s character, Michael stands up to his family and dreams of leaving Jamaica and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. However, Beckford has a short amount of time on stage but his strong relationships with other characters gave him depth.

Katrina Lindsay has created a very intricate set which is truly a spectacle. It has everything from a revolving stage to furniture which disappears through a trapdoor. The use of projections and shadows work was well done and this mirrored the storyline in using different conventions to keep the audience following the plot.

Overall, Small Island is a triumph from beginning to end. I cannot recommend this play enough. It is full of heartfelt moments, sensational acting and met with a strong directorial vision which allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the play. The story was both educational and relevant due to the issues it explores. A contemporary hit with the potential to become a well-loved classic.