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This celebratory, disco-tastic play for young audiences offers a gloriously uplifting perspective on how to engage with grief.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Grief is a difficult subject. Adults struggle to find coping mechanisms to deal with it and it’s harder altogether for children, who may not have the vocabulary and life skills to engage with the topic and express their emotions. In The Instrumentals we meet Belle, who is at her grandfather’s wake. She is uncertain how to behave; how to feel. The adults are acting in contradictory ways; some sobbing, some singing. Confused by it all, she sneaks off to Grandad’s basement. Here she meets the amazing musical instruments from the band he was in. They help her understand that it’s fine to be sad, but that beyond the loss of someone it’s also important to remember the great memories they have left behind.
This exciting new work, aimed at ages 4-11, sensitively explores loss and bereavement from a fresh, joyfully upbeat perspective, drawing on Caribbean culture, where death is a time to celebrate life as much as mourn its passing. You may question if grief is a suitable subject for such early years? But it really is. In our recent interview with writer and director Mia Jerome she describes how the story is based on her own experience at her grandfather’s funeral; her realisation that sometimes we don’t talk about death with children until it’s too late. And you know what? Wake or not, this show is a whole load of funky fun, which will have you smiling your socks off!
There are terrific performances from Maya Manuel as Belle and Elliot Liburd as – well, just about everyone else. Manuel sensitively captures the fragility of a confused child, but then really gets into the groove with the band. What a voice! The band is brought to life as puppets made from actual musical instruments. They are colourfully characterised by Liburd, who has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand within seconds and keeps the energy high throughout. He also looks great in sequins!
Puppet designer Oliver Hymans’ inventive work is delightfully varied. We first meet Mike the Mic, who is a chatty, cocky bro with a little micy ‘fro. Cleverly operated with triggers and given massive personality by Liburd, he’s remarkably fluid, stealing the spotlight. Other friends include Jacques the Sax, plus Kit & Cyril, who are hilariously entertaining as they bicker from either side of a drumkit. But my favourite puppet is undoubtedly the exquisitely crafted younger Grandma. It is striking how rarely black women are represented in this gorgeously artistic way; put centre stage. And there’s more: who knew LPs (look it up kids) could be used for such innovative visual storytelling?
Belle’s emotional journey is sympathetically described through evocative environments, from the sad, misty basement to the warm joy that Synthia the synthesiser brings. The show’s highlight is a truly groovy section, complete with glitterball and disco moves, that has everyone dancing. Adults loved this bit just as much as the kids, who really went for it! Throughout, it is the exceptional music, composed by Cal-I Jonel, that supports the difficult subject matter, poignantly reflecting underlying sadness, then generating dazzling energy using soulful, seventies sounds. Celebrating Belle’s grandad, it’s an important opportunity for intergenerational understanding of music from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, and ideas of legacy.
I questioned a couple of details within the show: Belle’s frock is strangely cartoonish and might work better as modern dress for contrast with the past. There’s also a section where the audience is inexplicably recognised as present, and then forgotten. But these are minor points in an otherwise fabulous production.
Do not hesitate: get your boogie boots on to see this excellent show, and remember, “You’ve got to get up if you’re down!”
The production suggests the following resources aimed at adults that may help you to support your child and discuss death with them:
Guidance on telling a child that someone has died: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/telling-a-child-that-someone-has-died
Guidance for supporting bereaved children and young people: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/supporting-bereaved-children-and-young-people
Written and directed by Mia Jerome
Composed by Cal-I Jonel
Puppets designed and directed by Oliver Hymans
Sound Design & Music Production by Féz
Lighting Design by Joshie Harriette
The Instrumentals is aimed at ages 4-11 and runs at the Little Angel Theatre until Sunday 16 April. Further information and bookings can be found here.
