Cue the music because here comes a play that feels like a club night. Bangers, written by Danusia Samal and co-produced by Cardboard Citizens and Soho theatre is a tribute to the sounds of early 00s R&B and garage. And with a DJ (Duramaney Kamara) crowned as the king of the evening, ruling each scene from behind his decks, we’re in for quite the party.
Following the lives of two apparently unconnected strangers – Aria and Clef, Bangers weaves their stories of self-discovery together seamlessly. Switching from one narrative to another, actors Samal and Darragh Hand play all the supporting characters in this production. Even if it takes a second to warm into their parts, both are scintillating, energetic performers that are stacked with natural talent.
It’s a rhythmic 70 minutes that uses rap and song as much as spoken lines. As Clef, Hand comes alive in this first live performance of his new music. Beginning with a steady nervousness, he grows in confidence to become a sure-footed star. With lyrics inspired by his best friend and music partner, Tone, Clef’s singing is an opportunity to release emotion he’s usually unable to find the words for.
Though, at times the volume of the melodies drown out the action, this is a play that fights for the rousing power of music. Structured by changing sounding tracks and titles, Samal’s writing is constructed in the style of an album – and you can’t help but want to sway along to the songs.
Sharply directed by Chris Sonnex, the current artistic director of Cardboard Citizens, the bright staged dance routines are balanced by moments of still and thoughtful reflection. When Clef first loses his virginity to his girlfriend, Nat, we are shown their opposing experiences through overlapping monologues: “Don’t think, just keep going”, Clef repeats as Nat pleads for him to stop. It’s a simple device that is boundlessly effective.
There’s a sense of incompleteness when the drama draws to a close, but it doesn’t offset the joy of what’s come previously. Galvanising and effortless, this is a must-see for music heads and non-music heads alike.
• At Soho theatre, London, until 2 July.
