To Sir, With Love was a major film of the 1960s starring Sidney Poitier and with a song made famous by Lulu. This exciting new stage adaptation is by Ayub Khan-Din, author of the acclaimed East is East; and tells the story of Ricky Braithwaite’s struggles to tame his class of unwilling students from the East End in post-war London.
Set in 1948, this production is firmly set amongst the bombed-out ruins of East London. Rubble sits in the back corners of the stage and damaged buildings loom in the background while shafts of light bring the broken glass of the blown out windows into focus. Read more …
Braithwaite is a picture of late 1940s sophistication – sharp suit, polished shoes – nothing out of place. The school children depict the poverty of the area at that time, but as their school year progresses, ‘Sir’ starts to influence the way they look and dress. Fans of vintage culture won't be disappointed as the show also features scenes of dancing from the 1940s – Lindy Hop anyone?
This is a charming vintage story (although the themes still have 21st century relevance) and a rare opportunity to witness the late 1940s come to life in front of you.
Mark Babych's fine production, with movement by Nick Winston (the teenage pupils are a well-drilled ensemble) and a clever design by Mike Britton of translucent chalk boards, a brick and chimney sky-line and a battery of desks and chairs, both evokes the period and transcends it with a sort of knowing edginess.
I suspect, however, the feel-good quality of the story and the energy of Mark Babych's touring production – which freely exploits the dances and music of the late 1940s – will endear the piece to audiences. Ansu Kabia is also outstanding as Ricky.
It’s Mike Britton’s evocative school room set, with its bomb-blast windows and jagged, broken buildings, which ends up capturing more of a sense of postwar social upheaval than this gentle production ever does.
Terrifically relevant.
To Sir, With Love is usually remembered as being the template for all those well-meaning but ludicrous Hollywood movies where an inspirational pedagogue transforms the ghetto through chess or ballroom dancing. This is more complex and more interesting. It is also tremendously well done and fizzes with a warm, uplifting humanity. As a result, it is impossible not to feel well disposed towards it.
The show features a delightful performance from Matthew Kelly as Florian, the pioneering liberal headmaster; and a strong, well-sustained one from Ansu Kabia as Ricky.
Ansu Kabia and Matthew Kelly star in Ayub Khan-Din's stage adaptation of To Sir, With Love
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday October 29, 2013, until Saturday November 2, 2013. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings
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