Roll Your Sleeves With Eve by Shamila Sulaiman - ★★★★☆
Meet Eva (Sara Mokonen), better known as Eve, a popular celebrity chef, and national treasure. Eve’s won many awards and has stolen the hearts of millions across the UK, however following an outburst on national TV, the course of Eve’s career, and life will change as she knows it.
Tackling themes such a bereavement, trauma, abuse and sibling relationship, Roll Your Sleeves With Eve gives a thorough take on what it means to confront your demons and do the work that will bring healing.
Following Eve’s outburst on national television, she was convinced by her manager Starlight (Ikesha Avo) and husband Ezekiel (David Ajayi) to go to therapy. This style of therapy is unlike anything we know; it is an intrusive session with Honey, who asks the difficult questions to ensure the work is done. The 120 minute play takes the audience on a journey of Eve’s life, exploring why she needs therapy and her fractured relationship with all those around her; including her assistant Kelly (Akua Ohenewaa).
Shamila Sulaiman (Writer and Director) does an excellent job in making such a detailed and sensitive play accessible to the audience. Though there were various trigger warnings, the audience were able to enjoy this play filled with laughter, various pop culture references and great music whilst still being aware of the sensitivity the play holds.
Theatre is most engaging when the audience are able to interact, make commentary and enjoy the play with the actors. Sulaiman and team are consistent in making theatre reflective of the world we live in, ensuring audiences can leave with lessons that will better their day to day.
Alongside Mokonen, Ajayi, Avo and Ohenewaa was Jonathan Kato Luwaaga as Shaffer, Jamal Lowe as Romario, Iain Gordon as Kane and Lola Akinyemi as Afia. The cast all delivered as was required of them, with exceptional performances from David Ajayi who managed to keep the audience's bellies filled with laughter. Lola Akinyemi in her role as Afia, Eve’s older sister delivered an incredible performance - bringing to light a conversation that is not often reflected on stage.
As the play consisted of various flashbacks, it was nice to see the effort used by the team to make all transitions as smooth as possible. The use of music brought the right vibe to the room, keeping the audience engaged. As most of the topics discussed were sensitive, it is understandable why care and time were given to them; however it is important to be as effective as possible to reduce drag in certain scenes.
Nevertheless, Roll Your Sleeves With Eve is an interesting and jam packed story that will keep you laughing and leave you in deep thought - creating a space for you to roll your sleeves and do the work.