Brixton Calling Review- Kick It Anywhere Productions
A review by Ellen Araya
Brixton Calling recounts the extraordinary transformation of the Brixton Academy, purchased for just £1 and reborn as one of London’s most legendary music venues. Over the years, it has welcomed icons from David Bowie to AC/DC to Madonna — and this play brings that history to life with both intimacy and urgency.
Southwark Playhouse - Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitma - Photography by Danny Kaan
The stage, at first glance, appeared simple: a small platform with two men and a handful of instruments. It seemed almost too modest to carry the weight of such a story. Yet, within moments, my doubts disappeared. What unfolded was a moving reminder of how powerful theatre can be when driven by talent, creativity, and heart.
At its core, the production explored a young man’s profound love for music, but it reached far beyond that. Through moments of humour and warmth, it grappled with weighty social and political issues, from the Brixton Riots to Thatcher’s Britain. The result was a performance that was not only soulful and passionate, but also deeply thought-provoking.
The two actors, Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitma, delivered astonishing performances. With nothing more than changes in accent, body language, and energy, they created a rich tapestry of characters that felt utterly distinct. A highlight came during the arrest of Johnny Lawes, where Sitma embodied both the police officer and the victim. The scene built to a harrowing climax, so convincing it felt as though two separate people stood on stage. It was uncomfortable, even guilt-inducing — exactly the kind of emotional confrontation that great art demands of its audience.
Director Bronagh Lagan deserves recognition for her deft handling of the material. By weaving Johnny’s arrest into the narrative, she underscored not only historical injustices but also the ongoing mistreatment of Black people today. The play’s resonance extended beyond its period setting, creating a communal space where audiences from all backgrounds could reflect on the present political climate as much as the past.
Southwark Playhouse - Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitma - Photography by Danny Kaan
Even an unexpected pause in the performance, caused by technical difficulties, became a testament to the production’s strength. Rather than lose momentum, the actors engaged the audience with music and conversation, eventually leading a spirited singalong of Supernova. Thanks to the composed technical team, the interruption was swiftly resolved, and the actors returned to their roles with seamless ease.
The technical design was another highlight. Lighting played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere: rave sequences pulsed with strobes that transported the audience into the heart of a gig, while shifts from warm golden tones to stark white light signalled heavier, more serious themes. The script, meanwhile, allowed for fluid, natural dialogue that kept the pacing sharp while revealing the shifting dynamics between characters.
Ultimately, Brixton Calling was raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Every element — the performances, the script, the direction, and the technical artistry — combined to honour the story of Brixton Academy while illuminating themes that remain urgently relevant today. It was a production that entertained, challenged, and moved its audience, reaffirming the transformative power of theatre.
Brixton calling is written and produced by Kick It Anywhere Productions - who teamed up with Raw this year through space hire and our very own ‘Brixton Calling: VALNTNA’ gig in July and received incredible praise from such reviewers as The Stage and The Guardian. The production ran at the Southwark Playhouse until the 14th August. The Kick it Anywhere team are busy working out the next stages of the show, finger crossed we’ll be seeing it again very soon.
