Watching from the intimately, immersive
position of front row cabaret style tables, this production had me gripped from
the outset.
Chalk dust hanging in the air over a white
minimalistic set, was the perfect backdrop to this tale of not only the journey
to the championships but so much more.
This compelling piece written & performed by Kemi-Bo Jacobs was stunning in its delivery. She gave a flawless performance in this one woman show, shifting effortless from one character to the next. With the aid of projection the audience are transported back to the dreams of a little girl who wanted to ‘be remembered’. From South Carolina to Harlem and then on to the lofty heights of Forest Hills & Wimbledon we follow the career of Althea Gibson. From a child who survived by talking with her fists to the pioneer of sport who became Wimbledon champion n 1957, this is not only a story of greatness, it is a story of pure grit determination & a desire to escape.
Tennis coaches, tournament wins, titles,
foreign tours & a lost love are Althea’s life as success beckons BUT there
is always this undercurrent of racism. This is 1950’s America where Althea is
the underdog, is second class & is allowed to play in prestigious
tournaments only if she doesn’t attend the pretty, see & be seen social
events that come along with it. Incredulous to believe but sadly true.
Kemi-Bo Jacobs packs fact, pathos & wit into her script & we come out rooting for the lady who was once the fore runner of her time but is often overlooked.
A special mention must be made to Becky Morris for her wonderful direction of this production, which brought it alive.
This was a great production that captivated
the audience from start to finish. You don’t need to be a tennis fan to enjoy
this. Go see it!
*Photo credit: Matt Jamie
Plays until Sat 6 July.
Tickets £15 online at
https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/all-white-everything-me
or from Box Office on (0191) 2321232.
Alison Stanley
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