Tones – A Hip Hop Opera Review

Tones – A Hip Hop Opera Review

7th-12th, 14th-19th & 21st-26th August 2024

Tones – A Hip Hop Opera is written and performed by Gerel Falconer an award winning actor, writer and Rapaturg, Artistic Associate and Playwright at HighRise Theatre. Hailing from North West London, Falconer is also a rapper known as G-R3AL R3AL G.

Developed and directed by Jonny Kelly, The production is a coming of age story about Jerome, from childhood onwards – being made to wear a little waistcoat; not getting to be the black power ranger because there was someone else blacker than him; taunts of “White boy, white boy” at school for daring to be studious; going on to be nicknamed ‘The Professor’ by his uncle; being taunted in a rap battle because he wasn’t black enough. All this because of the spectrum of skin tones that can be such a huge influence on someone’s life experience, being judged on colour and race. His wise uncle offers him sound advice: “Only people who know their roots grow to be the biggest trees.”

“Falconer delivers an impressive, word-perfect performance from start to finish”

Jerome is, unsurprising influenced by the pressure and purposefully changes his personality to try and be ‘more black’. This affects his grades, but he pulls himself up and receives a place at Durham University to study Anthropology where the journey up “feels like Emmerdale”. Surrounded by posh white boys (some with dreadlocks), and following bad sexual experiences where one student fetishises him, in walks Genevieve – a black woman who dyes her hair red, went to boarding school and attends every protest march; Jerome finds his tribe. 

Falconer delivers an impressive, word-perfect performance from start to finish. His lyrics are heartfelt and powerful, and he ensures he connects with the audience. The minimal set means we are free to concentrate on the script – a good decision by the production team as it is fast paced and intense. Arguably the finest moment is the final rap battle at University which had me transfixed.

This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea – the word ‘opera’ in the title suggests there might be singing – there is not. It is spoken word and poetry in its purest form throughout, set against a  perfectly-judged backing track by 3DWilliams, so if you’re not into that, this might not be for you but I would say give it a chance as you might just enjoy the outstanding lyrics that effortlessly pour from Falconer’s immensely talented psyche, which earned him a standing ovation at the end. 

Rhea Shepherd

To book, click here
For more Green Room Reviews click here