South African Road Trip: Good Hope ★★★★ Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre | October 25 - 30, 2022


Music is deeply woven into the culture and daily life of South Africa, and this production brings an authentic experience of that reality to London. South African Road Trip: Good Hope is full of joy and optimism. The enthusiasm of the performers is totally contagious and the audience happily claps along and sways in time to the wonderful rhythms of the group. The incessant beat speaks to the kind of unrelenting positivity that is necessary to deal with the political challenges of the new South Africa and it becomes the hallmark of the evening. The visuals that accompany the music provide a picture of daily life that sets an important context for the songs and dancing, and testifies to the resilient spirit of these people. Similarly, the interviews with the performers recounting incidents from their lives and sharing their aspirations creates an environment that makes the songs leap across the language barrier and touch the audience in very personal way. This is an evening full of colour and energy. It is a very special show that confirms one singer's assertion that music is her life, while inviting the audience in to share that uplifting perspective.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Roeltje van de Sande Bakhuyse.

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Map & Location: Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT, UK

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