Photo Credit: Lini Manca
It all started with a feeling of grievance towards the treatment of the Windrush Generation. It concluded with an inspired album and an unforgettable show at the National Theatre.
This was in essence the humble goal of North London’s longstanding veteran Wretch 32. October 23rd will be timestamped as an evening of celebrating our past heroes whilst shining a bright light on our current ones.
In a venue that already holds weight throughout its years, further history would be created. When speaking of former hosts to the theatre, you can spark conversation from Sir Ian McKellen to Dame Judi Dench and now you can add the ever-present Jermaine Scott to the portfolio.
2024 saw Wretch 32 grace giant crowds in Glastonbury and the 02 Arena, but the message to be told on this night would require more of an intimate setting and a stage to behold a compelling story titled HOME?
Come 21:00, the stalls and circles opened for fans and members of the media to enter. As many took their seat, you could feel a sense of anticipation and pondering thoughts on how the body of work would be played out. Would this be theatrical? Would a live band accompany the main man? All that was visible at the present time was a stage which took to the shape of floating shelves.
Deep-thoughts would turn to silence as the 1500 capacity-venue entered a blanket of darkness before two large screens appeared bright. Those that hold their flags proudly were on display in the corners of the room. Katie Hopkins, Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson, the latter who had protested only minutes from the National Theatre in the previous month were telling their story. The perspective of being proud was showcased before rightfully coming to an end.
The next set of viewpoints would be applauded, as a tall figure garmented in green appeared from the Olivier Stalls. The room took a spotlight to the centre, as Wretch 32 subtly walked through the audience either side of him. This felt like home, enough so that the Tottenham wordsmith pulled up to take a brief sit-down alongside a fan.
“I’m as Jamaican as rice and peas, kiss my teeth, but as British as custard creams dipped in tea”. There would be a contrast of views on the night told from perspectives of the Windrush Generation and Wretch’s experiences throughout his life, drawing back to parents and grandparents. All would be understood.
There’s something about a theatre which allows every word and detail to connect with its listeners. A standout from the album is track seven Home Sweet Home. As the song entered the scene, lights turned towards a dining table layered over by a tablecloth with designs of plants and butterflies. Audience members of Caribbean descent were caught in reminiscence. The feels were in motion and extended as Wretch came accompanied with longtime friend and collaborator Kano. Both played dominoes on stage as they stylishly performed deep-rooted lyrics based on what home means to them, accompanied by dancers who were in re-enactment of our former generation.
Thursday night’s theme was evident. The three-flight 360 stage assembled a host of you-decide arriving or departing suitcases. A final case would arrive through the Olivier aisles as a man familiar with the night’s events appeared with conviction. Cashief Nichols, better known as Cashh or Cashtastic told his story of arriving in the U.K at six years old before being deported at 20 back in 2014.
This was a powerful night to explore Britain’s injustice towards those who had helped build the country and happens at a time when it couldn’t be more relevant. Wretch was fully prepared, drawing into the archives to show vintage clips of those who had stronger views and experiences. Included in this was his father and grandmother who spoke on the Broadwater Farm riots from the 80’s with conviction.
Rotating back to performance, the guestlist of features who would make an appearance on the night saw Mercston, Skrapz and Little Simz perform their verses from the inspiring project.
The end was as memorable as the beginning, yet no composition was needed. Many had thought the eye-catching performance hit a bump as glitches oversaw Wretch’s powerful words, but this was his stellar plan. Sound engineers were deliberately told to forget the music; sincere statements were being readied. Applauds transitioned to clicks as Wretch 32 hit poetry into motion. Discussions were held on the state of affairs in Palestine and Congo without a thought going towards the feared cancel button being summoned.
To conclude, Wretch 32 made more that one powerful statement on Thursday night. He stamped authority on a stage which is not accustomed to being sold-out by a rapper. He brought conviction through our predecessors and laid out the movement through our current stars of the music scene. Most importantly, he defined what home is in the U.K’s national theatre. It’s worth having a conversation about.