What would happen if Christ suddenly appeared in Brixton? Would the feeding of the 5,000 take place with a family-sized bucket of KFC? Would water turn into rum, and revolution break out? Or would nobody notice?
In Oladipo Agboluaje's hugely enjoyable satirical comedy, Omo has just been released from three years in prison for impersonating the prime minister. Taken under the wing of the local mission run by Dona, a woman ambitious for souls and promotion, he takes to the bustling streets. But Omo has his own agenda, and his own Mary Magdalen in the local poledancing prostitute, Maria.
Agboluaje's play may be messy, but it is an ebullient crowdpleaser that captures all the hustle and bustle of the streets of Brixton, without disregarding the inner lives of its characters. Like a funnier, less poetic, shouty version of Biyi Bandele's Brixton Stories, this play is a bit too hyperactive, but it jiggles with joy at its own wit and invention. You can't help but appreciate its pleasure at itself and enjoy the teeming array of local life. And if the kaleidoscopic nature of the play means you often don't meet the residents for as long as you might like, you feel that you know them. If I walked down Electric Avenue today, I know I'd meet some of them.
Christ as accidental revolutionary is not a new idea, but Agboluaje exploits it to good effect, while also landing some well-placed punches at gentrification, preacher culture and a world always on the run and on the make. The production is not nearly as crisp and focused as it might be, but though the performances are uneven, Jimmy Akingbola is excellent as the self-styled prophet who is certain that Brixton can be the New Jerusalem.
· Until June 23. Box office: 0870 429 6883.
