The Women of Llanrumney | Stratford East

I have no surprise at the success of Azuka Oforka’s play The Women of Llanrumney after watching it at The Sherman Theatre last year. Now having transferred to Stratford East, Oforka's writing is bold, transfixing and works in harmony alongside Patricia Logue’s fearless direction which shines. This play grips you and never truly lets go, demanding to be observed.

Set in 18th century colonial Jamaica, we meet Annie (Suzanne Packer), mother to Cerys (Shvorne Marks) on Llanrumney plantation. Enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales, they discuss the uncertainty of their futures as we learn the plantation is facing financial ruin due to the poor management of the estate from Elisabeth (Nia Roberts). We follow these women through the trials and tribulations of attempting to cement what their lives will look like or if they will be displaced, asking themselves the question of what lengths they will go to.

The entire cast shine in their respective roles. Packer is mesmerising as Annie, she carries the play with such commitment and is so deeply grounded in her role. She is complemented well with the raw and heartfelt performance from Marks, as her character openly voices her frustrations, together their scenes are riveting and the characters balance each other beautifully. Roberts bursts with energy as Elisabeth, gregarious and witty, it is infectious to watch. Matthew Gravelle impresses with his multi rolling ability playing three parts throughout with great choices made, especially vocally, but it falls a little flat in comparison with the strength of the characters around him. Collectively, this cast is one of the strongest I have seen in recent memory.

The spacious and grand set design from Stella-Jane Odoemelam is majestic and gives scale to what a house of this era and location would feel like. The balcony and multiple doors lend to great viewing to see the story being told, along with beautiful costumes transporting us completely to this era. The enchanting music from composer Takisha Sargent illuminates the energy onstage, along with the chants and uproars heard in Act 2. The audience was vocal during this performance in all aspects, from the humour to disgust, meaning this choral uproar landed very well in the final scene, the standing ovation completely deserved even if some moments in the latter scenes lacked the desired tension.

With few downfalls, The Women of Llanrumney is theatre at its finest. Oforka showcases the darkest moments of history with such bravery and emotive writing, but doesn't shy away from what humour can be found for these characters. It makes for a truly enjoyable and reflective experience.

The Women of Llanrumney runs at Stratford East until 12th April.

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★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Chuko Cribb