King Hamlin on the Park Theatre begins earlier than it begins with three teenage boys joshing round; it is noisy and boisterous with an undercurrent of pressure.
Kiza Deen and Harris Cain in King Hamlin, Park Theatre, October 2022. Photo: Steve Gregson
When the play formally begins, Hamlin (Harris Cain) is having a nightmare about being late for a job interview. He desires to assist his mum (Kiza Deen), who has simply misplaced her job and might’t get advantages for 5 weeks.
They have a great relationship, and Hamlin desires to complete faculty, go to college and turn into a software program engineer.
But circumstances begin to conspire towards him. His mum cannot afford wifi, he does not have a laptop computer, and he is shedding out on job alternatives as a result of he cannot earn a living from home.
Added to this, the realm he lives in is rife with gangs, making it a harmful place to be as a younger male.
There is a component of delight in that Hamlin does not need to work in a grocery store however do one thing that’s much less guide – and paid higher.
Would it have mattered if he had bought any outdated job?
His pal Quinn (Inaam Barwani) is, by his personal admission and his behaviour, not lower out for finding out and faculty however has a proposition for Hamlin which may assist remedy his cash points.
Andrew Evans, Harris Cain and Inaam Barwani in King Hamlin, Park Theatre, October 2022. Photo: Steve Gregson
Aside from the truth that it is not precisely a reliable approach of being profitable, the issue is that it means becoming a member of Nic (Andrew Evans), whose ambitions lean in direction of gang management.
It’s the second play I’ve seen lately that explores a sluggish indoctrination from a great individual to unhealthy behaviour. The first was set in Germany within the run-up to the second world conflict; on this, it is about gang and knife tradition.
Hamlin initially resists, decided to keep away from a tradition he detests however ultimately finds himself seduced by what it gives.
Cain’s Hamlin is vivid, thought of and sort, and his worries are virtually painful to look at.
The downside is Quin and Nic, neither of whom appears notably good in reality, they appear virtually comically dim. It makes Hamlin’s selections appear much less convincing, notably as Nic is meant to be intimidating however is principally simply loud.
There isn’t any Quinn and Nic in a scene with out shouting and a shrill boisterousness. When actors at all times have the amp turned as much as 11, it means there may be nowhere for them to go, and it will get just a little tedious to look at.
The result’s a play which has its severe and essential subject material drowned out. In the top, I needed a lot much less of Quinn and Nic and extra of Hamlin and his mum.
I’m giving King Hamlin ⭐️⭐️ and a half.
King Hamlin, Park Theatre
Written by Gloria Williams
Directed by Lara Genovese
Running time 1 hour 50 minutes plus interval
Booking till 12 November, go to the Park Theatre web site for extra particulars and to purchase tickets.
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