Cheeky Little Brown is a dynamic anti-romcom that dives deep into the messy world of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance. Written by Nkenna Akunna and directed by Chinonyerem Odimba, this play brings to life the raw, complex emotions of its protagonist, Lady, with a mix of humour, music, and heartache.
Tiajna Amayo shines as Lady, a character who is equal parts sharp-tongued, vulnerable, and delightfully chaotic. The play kicks off with Lady at a birthday party for her estranged best friend Gemma – a party she hasn’t really been invited to. It’s a perfect setup for a night of confrontations, awkwardness, and all the truths that come spilling out. Through Lady’s perspective, we see a portrait of a young Black Queer woman struggling to navigate a world that feels like it’s changing without her, and Amayo’s performance is a tour de force, seamlessly moving between humour, rage, and deep-seated sadness.
It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud one moment and then, before you know it, lands a punch right to your gut.
Akunna’s writing combines wit with a powerful sense of realism, particularly in the play’s musical elements. From shouty serenades to pigeons to a surprisingly touching ode to a late-night kebab, the songs are cleverly woven into the narrative, mapping Lady’s emotional journey from brash confidence to a painful confrontation with reality. These moments are not just gimmicks but essential in telling Lady’s story, showcasing the highs and lows of a night that spirals out of control.
The minimalist set and inventive lighting create a versatile backdrop, shifting fluidly as the story unfolds. This simplicity allows Amayo’s dynamic performance to shine through, with Aldo Vazquez’s design adding subtle yet effective touches to capture Lady’s internal world – be it the warmth of nostalgia or the starkness of loneliness on a late-night bus ride home.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend Cheeky Little Brown? Yes. This play is a vibrant, chaotic love letter to anyone who’s ever been messy, made mistakes, and tried to figure it all out in the spotlight of life. It’s as much about the uncomfortable journey to self-acceptance as it is about the joys of being your authentic self. With a sharp, heartfelt script and an electric central performance, Cheeky Little Brown is a night at the theatre that’s both fun and cathartic.
Watch via On Demand at the Bristol Old Vic until 2 November 2024.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
More Reading
- A Queer Cowboy in the City: Lonesome’s Gritty Tale of Queer Longing and Discovery
- All of Us Strangers: A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration of What Could Have Been
- Bear Traps at The Golden Goose Theatre: A Quiet Look at Family Ties and Black Holes
- Buried Truths and Second Chances: Two Come Home Delivers a Heartfelt, Moving Reckoning
