Based on the Irish classic The Playboy Of The Western World, Mustapha Matura’s hilarious reinvention Playboy Of The West Indies has been delighting audiences and critics alike world-wide for over 35 years.

Now in this world premiere production the classic play has been transformed into a glorious new musical with a toe-tapping, finger-snapping score firmly rooted in the Caribbean. 

In Peggy’s rum bar in sleepy Mayaro village, a mysterious stranger stumbles in out of the darkness. With a voice like honey he tantalises the women and unnerves the men with a terrible story. As he weaves his magic spell on Peggy, her forthcoming nuptials to Stanley are thrown into doubt, and the village is plunged into uproar. While the women vie for this stranger’s attention, the men plot his downfall. Will events conspire to unmask his wild tales of derring-do?

Once you’re seated you’re greeted by the exterior of buildings and a fishing boat on an idillic sun kissed Caribbean island. Within seconds the set is reversed and you’re cast inside of Peggy’s Rum Bar, the home off all of the drama to come!

A simplistic yet detailed set provided all of the props needed to portray a stellar performance of this musical to a high calibre. I must also mention that all of the actors and actresses deserve recognition for beautiful renditions of the soundtrack! 

This show is, in equal parts, a powerful insight into Caribbean culture and a laugh-out-loud riot on stage. The magic hits you from the second the lights dim and special mention does have to go to Angela Wynter who gave a captivating performance of the slightly deranged but comedic and loveable “Mama Benin”.

You can catch Playboy of the West Indies at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 2nd July. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk.