Kingston 14 – reviews of 'fizzing' new cop drama
Roy Williams' new Jamaican crime yarn has guts, wit, and a menacing stage-debut by Goldie
What you need to knowRoy Williams's new drama about police corruption in Jamaica, Kingston 14, has opened at Theatre Royal, Stratford East to positive reviews. Young British playwright Williams is best known for his drama about race and violence, Fallout, which was adapted for Channel 4.
The play is set in Kingston, Jamaica, and performed mostly in patois with surtitles. A black British police officer is brought in to help solve the murder of a businessman but uncovers uncomfortable truths about the local police's relationship with a gang leader called the Joker.
Clint Dyer directs an all-male cast including drum and bass musician and former EastEnders actor Goldie as the Joker. Runs until 26 April.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics likeWilliams' spins a very good yarn with this "fizzing new cop-shop drama", says Sarah Hemming in the Financial Times. Dyer brings a driving energy to this production, savouring both the comic chaos and the intimate despair of this sorrowful tale of corruption peppered with outrageously rude gags.
Williams' returns to his own roots, exploring the country his parents emigrated from in this "spirited, raging drama", says Holly Williams in The Independent. It's a bracing evening with fine performances, including a suitably menacing stage debut from Goldie.
Kingston 14 has "guts, wit and vigorous performances", says Henry Hitchings in the Evening Standard. Williams's script is racy, wry and often painfully real, and Dyer injects fierce energy with plenty of amusement.
What they don't like"Roy Williams's latest play shouldn't really work at all," says Dominic Cavendish in the Daily Telegraph. The surtitles for the patois are distracting, the main story of an outsider cop is generic and the tone is uneven, yet there's something about its "rumbustious" macho energy, fast-talking authenticity and noble intentions that carries the evening.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Magazine solutions - May 10, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 10, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - May 10, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 10, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
'Box Trump in for real if he pulls another stunt. Put him behind bars.'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published