This is part of a series of shorter reviews from Edinburgh Fringe, August 2024.
Set in a 1960s BBC radio studio, “DRUM” tells the story of Ghanaian-born broadcaster Mike Eghan (King Boateng), who is visited by Ghanaian-born photographer James Barnor (Josh Roberts-Mensah), for an article to be featured in African magazine DRUM.
The two-hander begins with Eghan presenting his radio show “Songs with an African beat”, as traditional African music plays in the background. When Barnor arrives, he is shocked to find that Eghan has seemingly shed a lot of his Ghanaian culture, instead choosing to blend in with the bland British culture. Eghan hits back that it is his choice to adopt British traits (including his clipped accent and shirt and tie). He says that, as he is not native to the country, he chooses to fit in with British life rather than forcing his culture on them. Barnor is infuriated – and rightly so. As the first black BBC presenter, Barnor believes Eghan should be showing people the true African culture, not a boring, bland, British version of it.
Across the space of an hour, the argument slowly turns to politics, and the play expertly weaves in exposition amongst the dialogue, to inform those less familiar with Ghana’s history of the political turmoil of the 60s. The two characters clearly take opposite sides in every debate they have, but there is more nuance than a simple disagreement. Eghan still enjoys the rice dishes of his homeland, whilst Barnor enjoys The Beatles as much as his African tunes. The script, written by Josh Roberts-Mensah, does an excellent job at navigating the subtle and intricate opinions of these two characters, making them feel three-dimensional and conflicted.
The play is punctuated by singing and dancing, as Barnor tries to remind Eghan of his heritage, and ensure that he gives African music a fair outing at the BBC. The friendship that the two form, despite their differing opinions, makes for great viewing, and the fun that the two actors are clearly having throughout the play is infectious. Upon leaving the theatre, photos from an actual photoshoot are displayed – the realisation that this is based on a true story makes the tale even more heartwarming.
This is an excellent hour of theatre, with top-notch performances from both actors. You will leave with a smile on your face, and African drumbeats in your head for the rest of the day.
Tom Morley, August 2024
“DRUM” plays at Underbelly Cowgate – Iron Belly at 2:10pm until 25th August.
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