New writer Michael Bhim deftly portrays a black family at breaking point in his first full-length play, Pure Gold.
Burdened with the weight of unemployment, mounting debt and the demands of a 12-year-old son, Simon (Clarence Smith, pictured with Louis Ekoku) struggles to give his family the things he deems necessary for happiness. As his material desires reach a climax, the temptation of easy cash sets him on a risky moneymaking mission.
Bhim's script often sparkles with the delicately observed realities of city life, and comedy in the darkest of situations is skilfully exposed. His stab at exploring political issues such as immigration and equality, however, fall short of the mark. He never produces clear arguments and here the script needs tightening.
Nonetheless, Bhim's vision of London's 'forgotten' working class is superbly realised by black theatre company Talawa. The lively drama is dynamically directed by Indhu Rubasingham and well played out by a strong cast, with star turns from Mark Monero as Simon's wheeler-dealer cousin Paul, and Leonard Fenton as the wizened and wise neighbour.
Set designer Mike Britton's depiction of a Deptford council flat is steeped in naturalism, so much so that the toaster really toasts, the kettle really boils and the smells of a cooking dinner waft from the stage.
These touches, along with Bhim's picture of domestic misery, put the audience in an uncomfortably voyeuristic position, but do little more than that. Zena Alkayat
Until Oct 20, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street W1, Mon to Sat 7.30pm, Sat mats 3pm, £7.50 to £20. Tel: 0870 429 6883. Tube: Oxford Circus
Pure Gold
Soho Theatre
Dean Street, W1D 3NE
