This bittersweet story celebrates the art of Calypso and human friendship, was first seen in 1976 and has now been re-worked by Matura for a 2010 audience. Professor, an ageing ex-Calypso King, has been reduced to singing on the beach for tourists accompanied by Slim, a young street boy, whom he attempts to turn from a life of crime.
Earning just enough to keep themselves in rum and roti, Professor is teaching Slim the art of Calypso writing, so that they can compose a song with a melody charming enough to win the title of King of Calypso. But past glories and failures haunt Professor, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth that only rum and Slim's company can sweeten. Wanting the world for his student, Professor has ambitions for his young protégé that stretch further than the tropical horizon: if only he can let go of the past.
Don Warrington directs this rare revival, having established himself playing Phil in ITV's classic hit comedy series Rising Damp. He was most recently admired for his fancy footwork in Stictly Come Dancing.
Trinidad-born Don Warrington's career has spanned theatre, film and television. His credits include Gurinder Chadha's most recent film, It's a Wonderful Afterlife and Elmina's Kitchen in the West End.
Award winning playwright Mustapha Matura is also from Trinidad. He began writing plays after moving to the UK and in 1971 he won the George Devine award for AS TIME GOES BY. His other plays include PLAYBOY OF THE WEST INDIES and TRINIDAD SISTERS.
Shango Baku takes the role of Professor. An actor, writer and director, Shango's career has spanned film, television, radio and the stage. His theatre credits include Diary of Confinement (Trinidad/Tobago), The African Company Presents Richard III (Greenwich Theatre and Tour), Celia (New Players Theatre), Ira Aldridge (Old Vic), Cry of Innocence (Greenwich) and Beef No Chicken (Shaw Theatre/Tricycle).
Playing Professor's young sidekick Slim is Okezie Morro whose theatre credits include
This is How it Goes (King's Head), Ruined (Almeida) and Innocence at the Arcola. His television credits are Blacebo and The Bill and on film he has been seen in Gulliver's Travels and Red Tails.
Rum and Coca Cola is a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company and English Touring Theatre.
13 - 16 Oct
The Nuffield Theatre: www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk Signed/Described performance:– Thursday 14th October
Meet the Cast Q&A Session After the show on: Thursday 14th October
19 -23 Oct
Greenwich Theatre: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
Meet the Cast Q&A Session After the show on: Wed 20th October
