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The last 26 years of the Labour party are swooped through in this smart play by Juliet Gilkes Romero. With two black politicians at its heart, it looks at diversity in UK politics and how black politicians have always had to fight to be heard. But it’s also about the limits of politics and how the passion and drive to change the world can entirely dominate a life.
‘Upper Cut’ flashes back through the journeys of three people, beginning in November 2012, on the eve of Obama’s re-election. Disillusioned with Britain, Karen (Emma Dennis-Edwards) is leaving for America, while her friend and lover Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen), the deputy Labour leader, tries to convince her to stay. They obviously have history, but it takes the entire play to realise just how much. The influence of party strategist Barry (Andrew Scarborough), a sort of slightly nicer, northern Alastair Campbell, is woven into both their paths. At different points, we see each of the characters sacrificing their ideals to get ahead whilst also destroying their health. Where Karen once believed the black sections movement was divisive, and Michael was the revolutionary force, their attitudes blur. Barry, caught up in their journeys, also swaps his allegiance and betrays the woman he loves.
It’s demanding watching, and it’s frequently fascinating. Though occasionally there’s too much historical scene-setting, the script is well-balanced and doesn’t sentimentalise the characters or their struggle. Half way through there is a rousing, eloquent speech, delivered by Karen in the ’80s, about the need for minorities to be heard.
Lotte Wakeham’s staging is simple, using only cardboard boxes to represent each place, from the pier in Brighton to a bar in Westminster. The cast take a little while to warm up and though the writing is convincing, the performances aren’t always.
Still, this doesn’t detract too much from a play that provides important context to where we are today. And the real strength of ‘Upper Cut’ is how, in its own subtle way, it suggests that becoming a politician can and should be something anyone can aspire to.