“One Night In Miami”
Nottingham Playhouse

“One Night in Miami” is the debut play written by Kemp Powers. It is a fictional account of a real night, 25 February 1964. It is a fictional account of a real night, 25 February 1964. It pinpoints a pivotal moment in the lives of four black American icons whose potential, thoughts and actions develop and show in the 90 minute, one-act play.

The scenario presents a big challenge - to cast 22 year old, newly crowned world boxing champion Cassius Clay as he transforms into Muhammad Ali, controversial Nation of Islam leader / mentor Malcolm X, influential singer-songwriter and record producer Sam Cooke and star NFL footballer Jim Brown. The men, friends in real life, celebrate Clay's surprise title win over Sonny Liston in a Miami hotel room, watched over by Nation of Islam security.

Conor Glean plays Clay, handsome, self confident but with a hint of vulnerability which we see a glimpse of when he is in the company of his friends. We also see that he can be easily led,especially by Malcolm X religion wise and Sam Cooke when it comes to alcohol and having fun. see just a normal 22 year old, but this one with the world at his feet.

Matt Henry is Sam Cooke, and we get to hear those wonderful soul songs that Cooke gave us. Matt's silky vocals bring back those wonderful Sam Cooke vocals, especially in the final song performed, "A Change Is Gonna Come" - a real spine tingler.

Christopher Colquhoun plays Malcom X, and he looks so much like the man himself. We also get to see that Malcolm wasn't always the confident orator he is known as, but also the power that he had over others, and the danger that this power created which led to the protection he had from the two security guards.

Miles Yekinni is Jim Brown, the one character in this play that I didn't know anything about, so this was a history lesson in this sports star for me.

The two security guards are played by Nottingham born actor André Squire (Kareem) and Oseloka Obi (Jamaal).

Directed by Matthew Xia. He gave us a fly on the wall experience of these four iconic black men, all heroes in their respective fields.

When you look at what is happening in America today, you realise just how well timed this revival is, as well as the struggle they, and the black community in the 1960's had. Has that struggle changed so much?

There is a lovely scene where Malcolm X is having a bit of a go at Sam Cooke, and Cooke comes back to show that how he, as an artist has reversed the white supremacy by allowing the Rolling Stones to record a song written by Bobby Womack. This meant that as the record sold more, white artists and the young white girls who bought the Stones' record, were lining Womack's and Cooke's pockets. Something you'd not think of, but so so true.

Designer Grace Smart has created a great set. The modest apartment hired for Clay and his friends is situated centrally which also gives the feel of the almost claustrophobic feel that these four men must have been feeling, trying to hide away form the rest of the world, just so they can have some quality time to celebrate as friends, like normal people would.

Lighting Designer is Ciarán Cunningham and I love the colourful back drop, complete with palm tree. The lighting effects for the paparazzi flash bulbs gave the impression of the press mob that assembled, which Clay dutifully obliged with his showman style comments.

Composer/Sound Designer is Max Pappenheim. Responsible for the live music from Henry and also the subtle soundscape which just seemed so natural, you almost wouldn't realise that it was there.

Who knows what was really talked about on that night by these four, but this play, not only provides a probable slice of history, but also highlights many subjects from race, politics and social responsibility to being comfortable within their own circle, and being able to talk freely, something that at that time was not something that could be taken for granted.

Fact or fiction, this play had me hanging on to every word, and like the words of that emotional song from Cooke, one day a change is gonna come; the question is... when?

“One Night In Miami” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 22 June