A Strange Loop – Barbican Theatre, London

Book, Music & Lyrics: Michael R. Jackson

Director: Stephen Brackett

A Strange Loop took America by storm during its run on Broadway, winning two of the 11 Tony awards it was nominated for, being awarded a Pulitzer Prize for drama and taking home numerous ‘best new musical’ accolades. It now crosses the pond to the Barbican Centre for a 12-week run.

Michael R. Jackson’s meta-musical focuses on Usher, who is stuck in a strange loop, writing a musical about a black, queer writer in New York, who is writing a musical about a black, queer writer in New York, who is writing a – this could go on for a while, but no this isn’t Groundhog Day and the keyboard isn’t duplicating each sentence. Usher is struggling to piece together his script, figure out an ending and create positive change, in his work and his life, alongside placating his family members and quietening down the battle with his inner thoughts, which manifest on stage as a variety of different characters throughout.

Kyle Ramar Freeman is an impeccable performer. On stage for pretty much the entire 1 hour 40 minutes, his talent never falters. His soulful vocals are astounding, gorgeously bold and confident which is a contrast to the gentle, touching vulnerability he portrays when he isn’t singing. The thoughts that plague him (Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Danny Bailey, Eddie Elliott, Tendai Humphrey Sitima, Yeukayi Ushe, Sharlene Hector) are all also brilliant on stage, quickly transforming into a variety of identities as Usher gets lost in his own imagination. Manifesting as thoughts, historical figures, fantasies and memories these performers are utilised to delve even further into the character’s internal mind.

While the surface level of the show is humorous and endearing – a likeable lead hoping to hit success, this isn’t a light-hearted show in the slightest. Although juxtaposed with glitzy costumes and catchy song beats, most of the themes are heavy and uncomfortable, exposing many of the racist, homophobic, judgemental interactions that ‘fat, black, queer men’ have to endure. Repeated uses of the N-word alongside other racial slurs are shockingly played out in a variety of scenes, a gospel choir sings a number titled Aids Is God’s Punishment and there are multiple moments where Usher’s sexual orientation is vilified by family members. But the themes aren’t just there as glorified shock factor fodder, it’s sadly a spotlight on real, genuine experiences and it is unashamedly loud and proud about not shying away from any of it.

Jackson finishes the show much like how it begins – with unanswered questions, hope, doubt, and a yearning for belonging. While this could normally frustrate an audience, it works perfectly as an open-ended non-ending; non-conforming, abrupt, comfortable with the possibilities and excitingly unique – all easily descriptive of A Strange Loop in its entirety.

Runs Until 9 September 2023