REVIEW - TAMBO & BONES | HOME MANCHESTER | 03/04/2025

Tambo & Bones, written by award-winning poet and playwright Dave Harris, is a bold and provocative satire that takes a deep dive into the commodification of Black performance. Originally premiering in the UK in 2023 as a co-production between Actors Touring Company (ATC) and Stratford East, the play has since garnered significant critical acclaim. Under the direction of Olivier Award-winning Matthew Xia, Tambo & Bones embarks on another UK tour, bringing its unique blend of absurdist comedy, hip-hop, and afrofuturism to audiences across the country.

Set within the confines of a minstrel show, Tambo & Bones follows its titular characters as they wrestle with their own existence and attempt to break free from the stereotypes imposed upon them. What begins as a high-energy comedy soon takes the audience on a journey through different eras, spanning 500 years of history, from minstrel traditions to modern hip-hop stardom and ultimately into a dystopian future. The play cleverly deconstructs the ways in which Black performers have been used as commodities throughout history, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about race, capitalism, and identity. The show’s structure is unexpected and often unpredictable, keeping viewers engaged while challenging them to think critically about the themes at hand.

The creative team, led by set and costume designers Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey and ULTZ, has crafted a visually striking production that embraces minimalism while making effective use of symbolic imagery. The set is deliberately stripped back at times, inviting the audience to engage their imagination. Ciarán Cunningham’s lighting design is bold and atmospheric, shifting seamlessly between stark, almost oppressive illumination and the vibrant, high-energy aesthetic of a concert stage. The hip-hop-infused soundscape, crafted by Excalibah, adds pulse and urgency, particularly during the electrifying second act. Costumes capture the evolving personas of Tambo and Bones with style and precision. Together, these elements fuse into a slick, stylised experience that feels both contemporary and deeply theatrical.

Clifford Samuel as Tambo and Daniel Ward as Bones deliver compelling performances, bringing a perfect balance of humour, warmth, and raw emotion to their roles. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they navigate the play’s sharp tonal shifts with remarkable ease. The first act’s minstrel show-style comedy is executed with precision, and Samuel and Ward’s physicality and comedic timing make for a gripping opening. As the play progresses into darker and more surreal territory, they carry the weight of the material with confidence and nuance. Their ability to embody both exaggerated archetypes and deeply human characters is a testament to their talent. 

Tambo & Bones is a theatrical tour de force — sharp, subversive, and spectacularly staged. With powerhouse performances, bold direction, and an unforgettable script, it’s theatre that entertains while demanding reflection. The decision to forego a traditional curtain call in favour of a moment of silence speaks volumes about the gravity of its themes. At its best, this is a fearless and funny production that challenges perceptions, confronts uncomfortable truths, and sparks vital conversations. A must-see that leaves audiences both stirred and contemplative.

Tambo & Bones is at Home Manchester until Saturday 5th March 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Jane Hobson

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.