Since the UK's withdrawal from the EU, dodgy politics, austerity and civil unrest have left the streets of London in turmoil. A new coalition between the Conservatives and UKIP has driven house prices to an all-time high. Two local rappers (Dr Green Fingers & Dustin Roads) find themselves in the last affordable housing block in London. They have to work two jobs to make ends meet, options are thin, and as they flirt with the idea of leaving their home, sparking revolution or a life of crime, they can't help but dissect the politics that have surrounded them the past 10 years. A Grime concept concert that brings the truth from ground level. Expect MP rap battles, tactics for revolution and a dealer's guide to inflation. Merryville is an honest account of what it means to live as a born and bred Londoner when the housing crisis, inflation and dirty politics continue to force us out of our city.
Tobi King Bakare and this theatre deserve a shout-out for such a young, diverse audience. There is so much talk about audiences being full of over 60s and why, why can’t theatres get the crowds in to reflect society in general? Well, I’m happy to say that on a rainy Thursday evening, the theatre was completely full.
Caiti Grove on Before I Go in CPT's Spring 2023 season London Theatre Reviews
