Review: Little Brother at Jermyn Street Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)
In the intimate space of Jermyn Street Theatre, Little Brother finds the perfect home. This powerful and deeply affecting play tells the true story of Ibrahima Balde, a young man from Guinea who embarks on a modern odyssey across Africa and into Europe in search of his missing younger brother. Adapted for the stage by Timberlake Wertenbaker from the memoir written by Ibrahima Balde and Amets Arzallus Antia (translated also by Wertenbaker), this production is a great example of how theatre can illuminate the human stories often obscured by headlines and statistics.
At the heart of the play is Blair Gyabaah’s performance as Ibrahima. Gyabaah’s natural charisma and charm instantly endear him to the audience, and his ability to portray Ibrahima’s transformation from a hopeful child to a determined adult is commendable. Supporting him is an impressively versatile ensemble, made up of Youness Bouzinab, Whitney Kehinde, Ivan Oyik, and Mo Sesay, who multi-role as the many figures Ibrahima encounters on his journey.
Stella Powell-Jones’ tight and focused direction allows this sprawling, years-long narrative to be told in just 95 minutes with no interval, without feeling rushed or reductive. Instead, the storytelling flows, carrying the audience through a range of geographies, emotions, and experiences. Natalie Johnson’s simple and static set grounds the production, while Jahmiko Marshall’s evocative lighting transforms the space, suggesting landscapes and atmospheres that enhance the storytelling.
The significance of Little Brother extends beyond its theatrical merits. It is a vital reminder of the real lives behind migration narratives, an antidote to the often dehumanising language found in political discourse and media coverage. That the real-life Ibrahima was initially denied a UK visa to attend the opening of this play based on his own story adds an extra layer of poignancy. The successful campaign by Jermyn Street Theatre to overturn this decision and welcome Ibrahima to London to witness his memoir brought to life on stage speaks volumes about the play’s impact and necessity.
Little Brother runs at Jermyn Street Theatre until 21st June 2025.
Photos by Steve Gregson