REVIEW: Chisholm For President! By Testament and Zodwa Nyoni at Southbank Centre 13 April

‘A new hard-hitting Funk and Soul Musical with high-energy performances’

The show effectively told the story of a black woman pushing forward in politics with determination, taking the rough with smooth giving the audience the opportunity to celebrate her successes and empathise with her struggles. We were reminded that black women are the least supported group and most neglected especially in politics.

We take our seats at Queen Elizabeth Hall and are greeted with a stage set with keyboard, drums kit, percussion, string section, and brass section. Madeline Appiah who plays Shirley Chisholm arrives on stage and gives a little structure and context to the evening before she takes on the character of Shirley Chisholm. Madeline embodies Shirley Chisholm’s persona well, drawing us into the story immediately with energy and presence. The chorus of singers support vocally with strength and beautiful harmony. Once the dialogue and text begin it is sometimes drowned out by the full sound of the band. This is a shame as it means some of the story is lost.

There were some moving solo performances by Madeline Appiah who played Shirley Chisholm and Justina Aina who played Carolyn Smith and Rachel Modest who played Michelle Obama. The chorus supported these solos wonderfully. The song, They Go Low We Go High, was a wonderful anthem to end the show, encouraging the audience to sing along and to take a little of the music home with them.

Chisholm for Present has the potential to be a wonderful musical walk through a very important part of history while gracing its audience with moving ballads and hard-hitting high-energy performances.

Leeds Studio presents

CHISHOLM FOR PRESIDENT!

Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre         

Book by Zodwa Nyoni

Music & Lyrics by Testament

Directed by Alex Chisholm

Musical Director Michael Lovelock