A heady concoction of Jamaican sights and sounds is in the air in this joyous offering by Owen Miller; an experiential ceremony through Jamaican history, music and culture, Rush is a musical tour narrated by comedian John Simmit and with live music performed by The JA Reggae Band.

The nostalgic blend of storytelling, history, cultural commentary and music is exactly the type of mixed, multidimensional experience that one feels during carnival or a walk down any street in Jamaica, and Rush attempts to keep true to this by exploring and showcasing the Windrush generation.

With music covering a range of genres, all with Jamaican origins, including ska, rocksteady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and reggae, this joyous mood is sometimes dramatically upset and offset by heavy doses of history: racism, slavery, colonisation, deportation, policing are all laid bare. Yet, for all its rootedness in reality, the show encourages the audience to shed traditional theatrical etiquette and enjoy the moments in true Caribbean style by singing along, dancing and truly feeling the euphoria of its cultural presence. John Simmit adds warmth and familiarity, his comedic style bringing everything together, and though the show could benefit from perhaps exploring the historical elements more fully, it’s clear music is the master here, which arguably holds the history.

The show remains especially relevant today in the wake of the atrocious scandals revealed by the Windrush generation and the undeniable “hostile environment” policy of the current UK government. Rush is a powerful reminder, rebuttal and response to this treatment and a rejection of hate. In the words of the late Bob Marley: One love one heart / Let’s get together and feel all right.

| Check out more from Rush Theatre Company | Find out more about The Lowry| The JA Reggae Band | John Simmit |

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