Tones: A Hip Hop Opera is a powerful and deeply resonant journey into the life of Jerome (Gerel Falconer), a young Black man navigating the complexities of growing up in Britain. Through the rhythm and poetry of rap, Falconer delves into themes of class, mental health, and identity, giving a voice to the struggles and triumphs that are often left unspoken. The result is a poignant exploration of what it means to belong, told with raw honesty and lyrical brilliance.

The stage is set with a ladder, pots of paint, and DIY tools, as Jerome paints his new home. Under Jonny Kelly’s astute direction, this minimal set is cleverly transformed throughout the show to reflect the changing scenes and emotions of Jerome's journey. The simplicity of the set allows Falconer’s storytelling and performance to take centre stage, drawing the audience into his world with every word and movement.

Jerome’s story of feeling out of place—struggling to fit in with one culture or race because of his voice—forms the emotional core of the performance. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring to watch him grapple with these issues, especially knowing that his voice, once a source of alienation, is now what powers his self-written one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe. The irony is beautiful, and Falconer’s ability to convey this transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

Throughout the show, Falconer embodies various characters from his life with incredible versatility, seamlessly shifting between them both vocally and physically. His portrayal of Harry, the posh rich kid who seems to have it all, is particularly compelling, as Jerome absorbs Harry’s mannerisms and lifestyle in an attempt to fit in. This adaptation comes at a cost, as Jerome sacrifices his true self and even his academic success in the process.

Falconer’s performance is filled with humour, yet it never shies away from the deeper issues at play. His impeccable diction ensures that not a single word is lost, making his spoken-word poetry all the more powerful. What once made Jerome feel like an outsider has now become his superpower, as he uses his voice to command the stage and share his story with unflinching honesty.

Tones: A Hip Hop Opera is a show that resonates deeply, leaving the audience with a greater appreciation for the power of voice and the importance of staying true to oneself. This is a must-see performance that combines humour, heart, and hip-hop in a way that feels both fresh and profoundly moving.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O

Tones: A Hip Hip Opera plays at ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall until 26 Aug, with further info here.