Theatre / Black joy
‘Play On!’: Bristol Old Vic welcomes 1940s jazz musical version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
For its first major run of 2025, Bristol Old Vic will be welcoming Play On!, which is directed by Talawa’s artistic director Michael Buffong, and central to the company’s Black Joy season.
As a theatre organisation dedicated to platforming Black Excellence and reflecting the Black experience, Talawa nurtures mid-career acting and creative talent as well as emerging artists of African or Caribbean heritage.
The show reimagines Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, setting the story in 1940s Harlem, New York, where Viola (Tsemaye Bob-Egbe), known as ‘Vy’, is attempting to carve out success as a female songwriter in a male-dominated environment.
is needed now More than ever
Disguising her gender, she meets The Duke (Earl Gregory), the owner of the Cotton Club, and the singer, Lady Liv (Koko Alexandra), setting the stage for “a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance”.
Alexandra told Bristol24/7 more about the development of Play On!, and the thrill of performing as Lady Liv.
How familiar were you with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night when coming to this adaptation?
“I had heard of the play at university, but I had never seen it in action. It is quite the story to tell, and I am honoured to be a part of its retelling.”
Can you describe the character of Lady Liv, and how you developed her?
“Lady Liv is her own down right diva. The way she presents and captivates an audience every time she sings identifies with exactly who I am on stage. She is a powerhouse who desires to be seen in more ways than one. I developed her by simply activating the Southern charisma deep down inside me. Playing this role reminds me of home.”
What does the Duke Ellington musical score do to shape the emotional heart of Play On!?
“The words written by this musical icon are simply unmatched. Regardless of tempo or style there is an emotional shape to the lyrics that is incredibly captivating, and the arrangements by Liam Godwin, our music supervisor and arranger, are magical. It continues to place me in a state where I can sing these songs anytime — day or night!”
The show was produced as part of Talawa Theatre Company’s Black Joy Season; how does that manifest in the rehearsal room and on stage?
“Our director, Michael Buffong, had the best description of it — ‘it’s food for the soul!’ And it’s been just about that ever since we started working on the show back in August 2024. It feels good to continue putting seasoning and oomph in the pot so that we can not only serve it but also be nourished as we do so.”
What was it like working with Michael?
“If I can be completely honest, Michael (along with Liam) pulled some things out of me that I didn’t realise I was capable of! Michael also helped me deconstruct Lady Liv without having to do too much! I definitely owe much respect to him as my very first UK director.”
In terms of your own journey every night, what do you most enjoy about performing Lady Liv?
“I enjoy that I am able to pretty much overcome the same obstacles that Lady Liv faces as a person. I love being able to tell her story but in my own unique way through song and character.
“Lady Liv brings out a side of me that I embody as a performer and allows me to continue evolving both on and off stage; I recognise that in my journey as I settle in the UK!”
Play On! Is at Bristol Old Vic on January 16-25 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday (no shows Sunday).
The show is produced by Talawa Theatre Company and Belgrade Theatre, with co-producers Birmingham Hippodrome, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, and Wiltshire Creative, Salisbury.
Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
All photos: Ellie Kurttz
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