Sunny Side Up by David Alade - ★★★★☆

Based on a true story, 'Sunny Side Up' takes us through the life of Lil D (David Alade) and leads us on a journey with him as he matures from primary school through to his life post university. A coming of age story that highlights the importance of vulnerability and the societal pressures that play a part in shaping one's life; in this case his masculinity and as a young black boy.

Growing up in Peckham, Lil D’ came from a family of 7, mum, dad, two sisters and two brothers. The pack was heavy, the pack was strong, until it wasn't. From a young age, Lil D was in tune with his emotions, courtesy of his older brother constantly playing R&B and his dad never shying away from displaying his emotions. This all changed however when Lil D started secondary school, these formative years stole his innocence and transformed a boy into a young man, quicker, harsher and more brutal than expected.

Sunny Side Up was filled with poetic brilliance. Alade’s script was strong, gripping and sharp with its punchlines presenting a space for the audience to sit and ponder on the things that were being said.

The use of music carried this one man play as each song played a part in telling a piece of the story. We were able to feel the pain and share in the pockets of joy that David had throughout the play.

Alade invites us into a conversation that questions why we choose silence when the real elephant in the room is fear, guilt and shame that we’ve bottled up. Through the life of his father Sunny, Alade presents a case for feeling, because there is power in vulnerability; it holds us and shapes us for the battle that is to come.