Reggae Rules at the New Theatre
I have been attending and reviewing shows at the New Theatre for this 'here' website for about two years now. I've had the pleasure of seeing a fantastic range of shows, from Billy Liar to Blood Brothers, in a great venue in the centre of Cardiff. The standard of production's are usually very high. However, nothing, I repeat, nothing has come even close to matching what is in my opinion the most electrifying and uplifting show that Cardiff has ever seen (and I don’t deal in overstatements).
The Harder They Come is that show and although I have absolutely no commanding authority over anyone, I demand that you the reader go and see this unbelievably ace show (please do or else I will feel extremely annoyed that my fellow Cardiffians have missed out on something so very much unmissable.)
The reggae- musical, which opened with sell-outs in the West-End in 2006, is based upon the 1972 film of the same name, which gained a cult following and launched the career of Jimmy Cliff, who starred as main character Ivan and wrote most of the celebrated soundtrack. Directed by Perry Henzell, the Harder They Come was the first film to be made by Jamaicans for Jamaicans and had huge success locally, but its main impact was in bringing Jamaican music to the rest of the world. Reggae and ska were soon a part of American and European mainstream and together with Cliff, a certain Bob Marley soon began making waves across the Atlantic.
Inspired by the true story of Ivanhoe Martin, a legendary Jamaican outlaw of the 1940s, the show is unlike any I have ever seen. The summer atmosphere which filled the New Theatre foyer was carried into the auditorium; as you walked to find your seat, you were welcomed by the actors 'to the caf', which was already populated on stage. Beginning with this relaxed atmosphere, the play gradually got going as the characters made their way onto the set. It was instantly different to anything I have seen at the New. The story develops and follows Ivan from his ‘country-bwoy’ beginnings, a young man wanting a fresh start in the city, to him becoming a local celebrity, using guns and drugs to get to his dream record contract. His part was played stunningly by Matthew J Henry who was surrounded by a host of extremely talented actors and with the most brilliant music provided by the onstage musicians, who added their suitably chilled instrumentation.
The story doesn’t end too well as you can imagine but the show is completely positive, starting and ending on the Ni-night, when Jamaicans celebrate a persons life nine days after their death. This message of positivity is quite overwhelming and leaves you feeling completely replenished. Throughout, I found myself smiling uncontrollably. The warm humor and the stunning music left me questioning how I’d never even heard of this musical before.
But don’t just take my word for it; the video above shows the audience's reactions to the show and on opening night in the West End the show was enjoyed by Bob Geldolf, Mick Jagger, Matt Lucas and the one and only Ainsley Harriot (if you needed any proof!).
The production is part of the Cardiff Festival which runs throughout the summer with a string of events, free and otherwise, which aim to entertain and bring happiness to all and this show epitomises the festival’s target. Oh, and another thing, on Saturday 10th, there is an after show party at the Cardiff Arts Institute, a fab little venue, which will say farewell to the touring production with some live Jamaican music and guest DJs.
But before you consider that proposal, call (029) 2087 8889 or visit the New Theatre website to book tickets to this show. They start at £8 and will be money well spent I can assure you.
Showing until Saturday at the New Theatre.
