The Scottsboro Boys

The Scottsboro Boys played the autumn season of the Young Vic last year. Directed and choreographed by the five time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman and with a Kander and Ebb score, this production tells the true story of nine black teenagers upon a train in Scottsboro, Alabama, who were unfairly tried for the rape of two white women in 1931. As an almost all black cast, it presents the characters as sometimes portraying white men and women interestingly.

Kyle Scatliffe's portrayal of the leader of the nine boys, Haywood Patterson, was outstanding. His presence makes him the obvious leader as he towers over the rest of the cast and his big voice matches his body. However, it also has a soothing quality especially on the ballad 'Go Back Home.' It is understandable that he is now playing Enjolras on the newly revived production of Les Miserables.

The show had a mixture of performers from the original Broadway production - which was short lived - and newcomers to the roles. However they all performed well as a unit and this did not show to be an obstacle to their ability as a unit.

The set design by Beowulf Boritt was minimal, but the predominant setting of a prison cell made this a suitable choice and you it highlighted the cold, empty quality on the stage.

This was an incredible and thought-provoking piece of theatre. I can possibly see why it did not last long on Broadway as sometimes the line between humour and drama was too thin in this sombre story. However, it should be given credit for the memorable score from Kander and Ebb and the incredible acting within it.

Georgia Goody-Miceli

3.5*