Rapper Testament is back in the record shop at Leeds

World record-breaking beatboxer Testament is again joining forces with Opera North as they collaborate on his genre busting piece Orpheus in the Record Shop at Leeds Playhouse.

The show was first seen during a short socially distanced run at the height of the pandemic that was  filmed for BBC Four’s Lights Up series. Testament will be front of stage working with members of the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North, including soloist Helen Evora.

Why is it important that audiences get a chance to see this show again in the Playhouse’s biggest theatre space? 

Performing this show live is bananas! A classical ensemble live on stage, with beatboxing, spoken word and comedy – it’s a unique thing to be part of. I’ve been telling all my friends and family to come along because it’s funny and ends up like a real party.

What is it about the Orpheus story that struck a chord with you and made it feel relevant to modern life? 

The Orpheus mix has been reworked and remixed over the centuries – there’s even a difference between the Greek and Roman versions. There are some operatic versions that are heartfelt meditations on loss like Gluck’s Orpheus & Eurydice, and then there are bawdy comedy versions like Orpheus and the Underworld where we get the can-can from. Every generation takes myths and reuses them to talk about their time. Anyone who sees this Orpheus will recognise the themes in it for sure.

Why do you think the classic Greek myths still resonate so deeply with contemporary audiences?

The myths are really dramatic and are often literally operatic. The stakes are high, the imagery is rich. They are amazing vessels for allegory and reflection. In fact, when we tell these tales, the meaning we draw out of them really reflects where we are now.

Is the record shop your character owns based on a real shop?  

No, the record shop isn’t based on a real shop specifically. But I’ve got to shout out Tony Green of Released Records in Leeds Corn Exchange, who was super generous in guiding me through the technicalities of what running a shop is like. Snarky Orpheus himself is more based on some of my worst prejudices as a music collector and the heartbreak and loss I’ve experienced over the years.

Do you have fond memories of rummaging through stacks of records in your favourite shop as a youngster? 

Yeah, 100%. Without independent record shops I don’t know where I’d be as an artist; not simply as a composer and musician but also in terms of widening my world view. Jumbo and Crash in Leeds were hugely instrumental in introducing me to new work, letting me know about gigs I could go to and – vitally – for meeting other musicians. The first time I listened to Gil Scott-Heron’s poetry was at Jumbo in the Merrion Centre, where I also picked up some mad French funk music. When I started releasing records myself, I can remember the pride I felt seeing my first 7 inch featuring Corinne Bailey Rae and Soweto Kinch in the singles section. 

Can you pass a record shop now without popping in to see what treasures it might hold? 

Standard. I’ve got to pop in. It’s funny because not only do I end up picking up a record or a T-shirt, but I usually end up chatting with someone too and learning a bit more about what and who’s poppin’ in the different scenes – rap, punk, jazz – all sorts. Leeds is really rich in that regard.

You are performing on stage with members of Opera North’s chorus and orchestra. What extra dimension does that give to your performance, and to the production as a whole? 

The wall of sound those musicians can create is extraordinary. These are some of the best musicians in the country and it’s a privilege to work with them. They just make the music – and the whole room – soar.

You were born in London, but were brought up in Manchester, and now live in West Yorkshire. Do you feel that the rhythms and attitude of the North are strongly reflected in your work? 

I’m an adopted Yorkshireman now. My wife and kids are from Yorkshire and I’m really proud to be part of the community here. The North has got a unique perspective on the world. Whether it’s Manchester’s swagger or Yorkshire’s stubborness, the dry humour is always there. The show is full of these vibes. 

Not only are you a world record breaking beatboxer and hip-hop MC, but you are also an award-winning writer and theatre-maker. Do you favour one discipline over the others, or is it all about words for you?

I love performing and connecting with people. Writing is the recipe that makes it happen, but it’s seeing the work served up and sharing it that makes me buzz the most. I love stories – and I’m not fussed how they are made, as long as we connect and inspire each other. 

Music and words are obviously at the heart of what you do – can you see a full-blown musical in your future? 

Yes, I’m currently working on two musicals. One is based around late 60s early 70s’ soul music in the US, and the other is a live jazz/spoken word musical set on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border where the show will be different every night. Keep your eyes peeled!

What can audiences expect to see and hear? 

Expect an uplifting story, loads of laughs, impersonations, mad beatboxing and looping, some deep poetry and a soundtrack from Opera North that will lift you out your seat.

What conversations do you hope the show prompts? 

I hope it inspires us to natter to each other a bit more, to bear with each a bit more, to be hopeful people, and of course to visit a local record shop. Music is in us and is everywhere.

What’s next for you?  

I’m adapting a novel for BBC Radio 4 and writing on a new Netflix anime show. Both are due to land next year. 

Orpheus in the Record Shop runs at the Playhouse from 13th – 15th October. To book www.playhouse.org.uk or 0113 2137700.