Review: The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory

The Color Purple

Menier Chocolate Factory

Reviewed on Tuesday 16th July 2013

Abuse, violence and rape. The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker's novel, was originally performed in 2005. I only wish it had been staged in London sooner. Set in the southern states of America, the story follows Celie's life between 1914 and 1945. Her journey is heartbreaking and moving, yet strangely uplifting.

Celie gives birth to two children, both of whom were fathered by her father. He takes them away before marrying her off to a horrid, vile man. After a great deal of heartbreak and pain, Celie decides she needs to do something about the situation she finds herself in.

British audiences are known for being reserved. The Menier Chocolate Factory may be small, but last night audience members were left with throbbing hands, saw throats and aching feet. The theatre was filled with endless applause, loud cheers and a  great deal of foot stamping. The cast, some of whom found themselves a little overwhelmed, seemed to relish every moment, they certainly deserved such a triumphant response.

Cynthia Erivo was born to play Celie. It is her passion, emotion and growth which evokes such a response from the audience. Her performance is detailed, I clearly understood Celie's thought process in each scene and the character's development is utterly empowering. When Cynthia belts she means business. There are few performers who can truly put me into some sort of trance when they perform, but Cynthia is one of them. She clearly has the most incredible future ahead of her, her talent is just unreal. Cynthia received a standing ovation halfway through Act Two, following a heart wrenching rendition of 'I'm Here'. I only wish I could have picked up a remote, pressed rewind and watched her performance all over again. 

The whole cast are extremely strong. The ensemble are used well, while all of the leads have huge personalities and take it in turns to own the stage. Act One is good, featuring some beautiful storytelling. However, I was not prepared for Act Two... I am almost in tears just thinking about some of the most empowering moments. If you do decide to see this production, make sure you take plenty of tissues and put them somewhere handy. Don't make the same mistake I made as when I found myself uncontrollably crying (something I don't make a habit of doing in packed theatres) things got messy.

Some have questioned the decision to adapt Alice Walker's novel into a musical and not a play. Indeed, the story is not your stereotypical jazz hands musical, but Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray's music and lyrics unleash so many layers to the characters. The score enabled me to feel every emotion which I found quite moving. The band, who are tucked away in a corner of the theatre, are terrific. The Color Purple has a point to make and the musical numbers are used to make this very clear.

John Doyle's direction and set design make this production extremely special. The set is so simple which enables the musical to be performed with style. Wooden chairs are used in various ways to set each scene, and when not in use are hooked up against the back wall. This gives the show an, almost, contemporary feel. The thrust staging is well suited.

I do hope there is further life for The Color Purple in London beyond this phenomenal production. Of course a West End transfer would be brilliant, although certain aspects would need to be restaged and redesigned. As with most shows, The Color Purple will not appeal to everyone. You have to be able to lose yourself in the music and get behind the characters which some people are not able to do.

The Color Purple runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 14th September. I will most certainly be making a return trip, and I sincerely hope that you will also witness this life changing piece of theatre.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

The Color Purple runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 14th September 2013.

Click here to book tickets.

Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

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