Theatre Review: Roots

Starring: Lisa Ellis, Michael Jibson, Jessica Raine, David Burke, Linda Bassett, Ian Gelder, Nic Jackman, Carl Prekopp, Emma Stansfield

Director: James MacDonald

Running Time: 160 minutes including two 10 minute intervals

Arnold Wesker’s Roots is one of many shows that is getting quite a lot of buzz for London’s Donmar Warehouse, but how exactly does it live up to the hype?

Roots tells the story of young Beattie Bryant who comes back home to 1950s Norfolk after moving to London and falling in love with a young socialist named Ronnie. When she comes back home, she battles with her big ideas in her small minded hometown, and also battles with the fact that if she actually understands what her boyfriend says to her.

As soon as you walk into the venue you are taken back by the attention to detail that is taken to bring the 1950s to life. Even to the point where Jenny (Lisa Ellis) is using a gas light to bring some light to the darkness that has fallen. You are immediately taken into the setting, but you would never guess the countryside until the ambience starts playing. The team of Hildegard Bechtler, Guy Hoarde and Ian Dickinson really bring the scene to life, and makes the experience enjoyable.

If there is one thing you need to know about Roots is that it’s a slow-burner but not to a point where it is painfully so. You sit on the edge of your seat wondering when it is going to all explode, and when it does, it might not be the (for some) satisfying EASTENDERS type drama you were hoping but nevertheless intriguing.

It’s truly the performances that win you over in the end. Jessica Raine’s Beattie is really one to watch, and while her accent is somewhat questionable at times, she proved her hype is not just CALL THE MIDWIFE and shows promise to be one of the UK’s top talents. However, Raine’s performance might be overshadowed by someone that has been in this game for a while, Linda Bassett. Her performance as the stubborn but caring Mrs Bryant is one of her best to date and really exciting to encounter.

While the show might be one of a required taste, ROOTS live up to all of the hype and more. The subtle and heart wrenching performances from the UK’s best talents prove another winner for the Donmar.

Roots is showing at the Donmar Warehouse until November 30th. For more information on booking, please visit  them directly: www.donmarwarehouse.com