Black Superhero – Royal Court

Danny Lee Wynter’s debut play at the Royal Court questions queerness, open relationships and loving your idols. David (Danny Lee Wynter) is unsettled by the route of his life. An actor occasionally auditioning, occasionally sleeping around and still recovering from a traumatic event that brought his life to a halt. Living with his sister Syd, (Rochenda Sandall) he can’t help but question his motive especially when comparing himself to friend and popular superhero in a movie franchise, King (Dyllón Burnside). However, when King reveals that he and his husband have decided to try an open marriage, David is plunged into something he might not be ready for.

The action in the piece is highly driven, particularly in the first act. David, who is already vulnerable, creates chaos for himself by the need to be wanted. Although King does want him, it may not be in the capacity that David desires. David from the beginning spills his big, confronting opinions on queerness in the acting world- often exposing others for their wrong doings without considering his own flaws. These great monologues go back and forth on these ideas but almost always end with someone leaving from frustration, which means we never gain a conclusion. These open end arguments stream throughout the play, never really creating a decisive opinion and perhaps is David’s biggest flaw that he can’t ever put himself in the action, only highlighting others.

The sadness of being a secondary in other’s lives is a feeling that lingers throughout. Even in his own sister’s as she announces her pregnancy David plunges into decisions quicker, making riskier choices although Syd begs him to reconsider. Act 2 falls apart quicker than we can recover until David shows how worthless he deems himself and I felt absolutely devastated.

Although, this story really highlights a person battling with their self worth by making them secondary in an established relationship the comedy streamed throughout is unmatched. Wynter includes many modern references which really includes the audience in the world and the cast mastered the energy of the characters which was irresistible to watch.

Production on this piece was absolutely breathtaking. Angular and spiked staging that never draws attention, only fires up the whole stage bringing such a Gotham vibe. It was dark, threatening but equally exciting to watch as David imagines himself in the superhero movies with King as Claw. It was new and exciting – Joanna Scotcher created magic in this design.

This is an exciting world with beautifully written characters and a design crafted with excellence but perhaps too open ended with the ideas offered.

Playing until 29th April, https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/black-superhero/

Reviewer: Alice Rose

Reviewed: 21st March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★