THEATRE REVIEW: Roots - Wilton's Music Hall, London.

I’ll start by saying what a splendid building. It is situated just north of Tower Bridge, hidden away in a dark alley in an area that not many of us Londoners know. Wilton’s Music Hall is one of those old-fashioned music halls from the last century. The interior is not as lavish as you would expect, but it has that faded elegance of a time gone by. How wonderful that the patrons have turned it into a place of remarkable beauty. The décor may be discoloured but this all adds to its appeal and makes the theatre interior utterly charming. 

'Roots' is written and directed by Suzanne Andrade. She found a book (The Aarne Index) sitting in the British Library, which categorised folklore tales from around the world. She has selected some funny anecdotal stories and brought these to life. Starting with 'The Fat Cat', my favourite. Story after story; I lost count of how many tales were being performed by the small cast of four. Talk about fast changes and exit stage left, enter stage right. The whole set was actually an animated screen with the performers interacting with the images. No change of sets or curtain down. I loved the animations – some simpler than others and often in black and white. Definitely, a feel of past times and dark days of the imagination.

Suzanne Andrade decided to get this show together after reading these folk stories to friends and family. The group of performers known as 1927 came together to bring these stories to life. The tales are narrated by family members and friends which make the stories seem real and familiar. The audience guffawed throughout. I felt like I was sitting at home amongst family. The music that accompanied used all sorts of instruments and unusual items to create the most suitably weird sounds. David Insua-Cao and Francesca Simmons who performed the soundtrack dressed in white gaucho type clothes with stark white painted faces were an absolute delight to watch. Their presence was almost ghost-like. The main performers are Hannah Miller and Philippa Hambly, who obviously relish in laughing at themselves, the show was choreographed so impeccably so that not a second of timing was out while interacting with the screen behind them. The stories are a delight and all with an unanswered ending. Each story leaves you with a conundrum. The imagery is fun and makes you feel a part of it.

'Root's was unusual, unexpected and yet a delight. Well done 1927, I really enjoyed it.

Reviewer - Penny Curran
on - 7.10.21