A stunning production with a talented young cast who skilfully tell this relevant and resonating story, allowing and encouraging the audience to question entrenched beliefs and consider new perspectives.Rating
Excellent
Stratford East’s production of Choir Boy, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, involves a talented, engaging ensemble cast who create an emotional and powerful story following five young black boys as they navigate an elite American preparatory school.
The show spans the space of a year, from one commencement ceremony to the next, and the audience watch as the internal dynamics of the boys’ acapella choir evolve throughout. They move from class, to rehearsal, to their dormitories, to the showers, with discussions examining their attitudes to LGBTQ+ inclusion, race, spirituals, musical heritage, generational differences, religion, class, and tradition.
Terique Jarrett plays Pharus, the talented choir lead who refuses to diminish who he is in the face of bullying for being gay, with Freddie MacBruce playing his caring, humorous roommate AJ. Both Jarrett and MacBruce bring warm energy, playfulness and heartfelt emotion to their scenes and are a joy to watch. Rabi Kondé plays Bobby, the Headmaster’s nephew who, whilst dealing with his own conflicting emotions, doesn’t find it easy to accept Pharus and bullies him. Khalid Daley plays the chatty, comedic Jr who is working out who he trusts and where he wants to stand, whilst Michael Ahomka-Lindsay plays the conflicted David who is aiming to become a pastor but is troubled by his own self doubt and the pressure and expectation of being a scholarship student. Together they truly create an ensemble show, with beautiful acapella vocals from all, high sentiment moments of dialogue and a powerful, poignant production.
The adult characters consist of Headmaster Marrow, portrayed by Daon Broni, and Mr Pendleton, played by Martin Turner. Both offer different generational viewpoints on the issues facing the boys, with the Headmaster providing a stern but caring figurehead, however not one that is keen to stand out, advocating to Pharus that he should blend in more and avoid people asking questions. Mr Pendleton contrastly encourages the boys to question what they are told, however struggles to engage with them and fully understand their perspectives when classroom discussions become more personal and impassioned.
Choir Boy questions how young people retain their unique sense of self surrounded by institutions that value conformity. It explores how the development of tolerance, compassion, and championing of diversity are possible, and important, amongst established traditions. It is a production for all ages, all sexualities, and all races, allowing and encouraging the audience to question entrenched beliefs and consider new perspectives.
Stratford East as a venue is itself a fantastic space, championing new, exciting work. It’s beautiful stage and architecture is a key part of East London’s creative spaces and I love seeing their innovative shows and community engagement.
A production that started at Bristol Old Vic in 2023 has now made its way beautifully to Stratford East in 2026, and hopefully beyond. Playwright McCraney and director Nancy Medina have created an impactful and hopeful show that deserves to be shared. Choir Boy is a stunning production with a talented young cast who skilfully tell this relevant and resonating story.
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Nancy Medina
Co-Directed by Tatenda Shamiso
Set & Costume Designed by Max Johns
Musically Directed & Arranged by Femi Temowo
Lighting Designed by Nao Nagai
Composed & Sound Designed by Donato Wharton
Choir Boy plays at Stratford East until Saturday 25 April.
