Review: THE COLOR PURPLE AT HOME, Curve Leicester

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

It’s been nearly an entire year since theatres went dark and Curve Leicester put on their last live performance…but that’s not stopped them! After the success of their last Curve at Home production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic Sunset Boulevard, Curve set themselves the task of reworking their 2019 production (co-produced with the Birmingham Hippodrome) of The Color Purple.

Being lucky enough to see this production back in 2019 in Birmingham, it would be very interesting to see how they’d adapt the show for the ‘small screen’. 

They have utilised the space perfectly, using not only the stage but the auditorium as well. There's a really raw feel to this production with all seams exposed. They make no effort to hide the camera operators, or the conductor’s monitor. You can even catch glimpses of the orchestra in the stalls. This highlights everything that goes into making live theatre and Curve have not shied away from showing that to the audiences at home. Now more than ever it's important to showcase everyone that works in this wonderful industry and all of the people who have been affected by the theatre shutdown. It’s even highlighted by the empty auditorium seats that would be usually filled with audience members, who also make live theatre so special.

Whilst intrigued on how the production would translate on screen, I’m glad to say I was not disappointed. The use of cameras only adds to an already well crafted production. It is almost easier to create the moments of chaos and high energy with close camera angles. There is also a real intimate feel to the production, with plenty of occasions when the actors break the fourth wall by looking and speaking directly into the camera.

The lighting design by Ben Cracknell is exquisite, complementing the colour palette of the show beautifully and framed to actors perfectly in every shot.

T’shan Williams and Danielle Fiamanya as Celie and Nettie are a pleasure to watch. Their sisterly bond is so believable and their vocal blend is perfection. Fiamanya is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance as Nettie is wise beyond her years and you wouldn’t believe she only recently graduated from drama school. And Williams as Celie is an absolute masterclass in acting. Every single cast member is completely on their mark and does not miss a single beat, performing as if the camera is directly on them. You can feel their joy at being back onstage radiating through the screen. 

The only thing missing from the production is applause. It almost feels like a crime that the actors are putting their heart and soul into the show but don’t have the affirmation of the audience. This feels particularly prominent in William’s performance of ‘I’m Here’, which had the audience on their feet when I saw the show at the Birmingham Hippodrome, back in 2019.  

I’m not afraid to say that I shed a few tears at the end. And so did the cast, there was not a dry eye on that stage. It shines a spotlight on the fact that it is not simply a job, it is a lifestyle.

This production for the new age gives me hope that our industry will continue to grow, adapt and thrive. The future is bright, especially for Curve. 

***** Five stars 

Reviewed by: Elle Knowles

The Color Purple streams online until Sunday 7 March. To book tickets, please click here.