On The Ropes – Park Theatre

Justice delayed is justice denied.

‘On the ropes’ is an autobiographical musical of Vernon Vanriel, co-written with Dougie Blaxland. The thought-provoking play recreates the life and hardships faced by Vernon Vanriel in 12 rounds. The play centres on the experience of a charismatic lightweight boxer from his rise to fame to his challenges with poverty, bipolar and coke. Until his painful marooning on the Jamaican Islands due to insensitive and unjust home office rules. It is a testament to the 57,000 people affected by the Windrush Scandal and those ‘whose rights and freedom are denied by arbitrary acts of injustice.’

Amber James and Ashley D Gayle accompanying our protagonist enthusiastically bring the chorus to life. They portray the entire gamut of accents, pathos, kindness and greed in interpretations of the characters and forces that affected Vanriel. Amber’s portrayal of the Caribbean mother makes us grin at the universality of mums admonishing their children while soulfully singing, ‘Nobody knows the trouble I have seen’. One can’t help but sway with the rhythm of familiar numbers and dynamic chemistry the three actors share on stage.

The stage set in a boxing ring as we cheer for our rising star of Tottenham. The proximity of the places mentioned from the theatre and the realities of living in poverty have one hooked. The play puts on stage the rampant racism and apathy police and government systems have. It peels open the lid on the lack of sensitivity to mental health challenges and feels hugely relevant and timely. However, the length of the play could be reflected on. 

The set designed by Zahra Mansouri flips the boxing ring quite expertly. Rap, reggae, soul, and poetry add fluidity to the complex subject matter. It is profoundly moving to see the personal life of a Britisher being torn into shreds by the policies of government officials elected to serve. As the closing song proclaims determination, ‘To be young and gifted and black,’ The play deeply rankles one about the impunity of some and leaves us inspired by the grit and determination of others.

Playing until 4th February 2023, https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/on-the-ropes

Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil

Reviewed: 11th January 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★