Tambo and Bones. Royal and Derngate- Northampton.  

Despite a few rude and ridiculous moments, ‘Tambo and Bones’ is an exciting performance full of exhilarating and thought-provoking satire. The performance follows Tambo (Clifford Samuel) and Bones (Daniel Ward) over a 500-year period in time as they showcase the African American male experience from a unique perspective.  

Although it is quite a difficult show to explain, ‘Tambo & Bones’ is divided into three very different yet linked sections.  

When we first see them, the two men are dressed in silly, shabby outfits on an overly artificial looking set. Tambo is trying to take a much-needed nap, and Bones is trying to get money from the audience. The pair then bicker over the best way to meet Bones’ completely consuming desire for money before eventually deciding on a more modern strategy.  

As we move to the second part of the performance, the pair are now portrayed as an old-school rap duo who express their world views in the form of hip-hop. Whilst the rapping is both incredible and hilarious, it is also absolutely necessary to show the true reality of the Black American Dream and the Male archetypes that came with it.  

Throughout, the script is daring yet informative, but it is never scared to be too offensive. This Made in Northampton co-production involves the audience members from the beginning, a crucial part in showing the power within their presence later on.  

The third part is intentionally controversial with the use of two incredibly choreographed, white robots turning the play on its head. It is important to note that the play it definitely not anti-white people, and that the use of the gag aimed at the fact that audiences are usually predominantly white is crucial in getting across the point of the play.

Once the performance finishes, the audience is welcome to take fifteen minutes to reflect on what they have just watched and the themes that have been addressed. As a white-member of the audience I was honoured to have had my eyes-opened by such an incredible performance and although my opinions on it are certainly less important than other peoples, I would encourage anyone to go and watch it and take on board its ever-relevant meaning and messages.

‘Tambo and Bones’ runs at The Royal and Derngate until the 15th of March. For more information visit their website or call the box office on 01604 624811.