Review: The Color Purple, UK Tour, at the Lowry, Salford

One of the most celebrated shows in the past couple of years has been the Leicester/Birmingham production of The Color Purple. Though I didn't get to see it in Leicester, I did manage to see the In Concert production that they did last year; and it has in fact been one of those productions that stayed with me, being one of the best of last year. 

Therefore, hearing that this hit was going on tour, I definitely did a Fry from Futurama: Shut up and take my money! 

And my wallet's woes were put to rest this weekend just gone, when I caught its final performance during its Salford run. 

Based on Alice Walker's novel, it follows Celie, a woman living in the deep South across 40 years approximately in her life. She definitely does NOT have it easy; but over the course of the piece, meets other women who both inspire and love her, and eventually, she comes to love herself despite her circumstances. 

I was definitely interested in seeing it live rather than the special concert the Curve did over a screen. One thing that hits you straight away, is the lighting. The warm tones blend together like a watercolour painting, even though they may not necessarily blend together. Take for example a lot of scenes with Shug, which had a lot of purple mesh with the warm yellows and oranges the piece had been mainly going with until now. 

The story of Celie is an inspiring one and needs an actress to rise to the challenge or transforming into the butterfly that she is: Me'sha Bryan did that extremely well. Definitely a different interpretation to T'Shan Williams' take, her Celie I think definitely takes a softer approach, being even more of a surprise than before when she finally tells her abusive husband to go to hell. You root for her from the very start, and that's what makes her so lovable. 

Bryan is not the only new player in this cast: in fact, many of them are either new, or are playing different roles. 

Two of The Wiz' former witches get to play influential people in Celie's life. Bree Smith as Shug Avery was playful but warm. Anelisa Lamola takes over the role of the sassy Sophia, her Hell No being a highlight. But she also plays the Church Soloist at the beginning of the show, and in just the first few bars, blows the Lowry roof off. 

Additionally, Ahmed Hamad (RENT), was perfectly casted as Celie's stepson Harpo, desperately wanting to be better than his father and to treat Sophia as well as possible (even though he's not perfect and does make mistakes). 

And I finally HAVE to mention the three church ladies: Doris, Jarene & Darlene, played by Karen Mavundukure (who played Sofia last time, but along with playing Doris is also alternating Celie), Esme Laudat, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah. Sassy as, hilarious, and the bringers of MANY a rich harmony. Oh, and if you've seen it already, you know what I mean when I mention the fan! 

The other reason why I was so excited to see The Color Purple, live and in person, was to hear that score, live and in person. And oh wow, may be repeating myself, but it does take you to church. From the heavy gospel in the first scene, all the way to the anthem-like final number, there's a reason why this is one of the best scores in the whole musical theatre rep in my opinion. 

The Color Purple is definitely a must watch - and you only have until 5th November to catch it. 

Currently, it's playing in Cardiff, before going to Southampton, and finally Norwich. 

You leave feeling incredibly emotional. Likely with goosebumps too. It's truly a story I think everyone should experience.