King James by Rajiv Joseph.

King James premiered in Chicago in 2022 and is now performing at Hampstead Theatre until 4th January which means it is perfect for any Theatre goers who areb trying to escape Pantomimes at this time of year.

Matt (Sam Mitchell) and Shawn (Enyi Okoronkwo) support the same Basketball team, The Cleveland Cavaliers. Matt is begrudgingly selling his season tickets to raise some money and Shawn answers his advert. After much haggling and conversations about the teams prestigious player LeBron James a friendship is born and the passion for the game creates a long-term bond.

King James isn’t solely about Basketball it provides the cement which builds the pairs friendship. Matt has more wealth than Shawn and helps him fulfil some of dreams to become a script writer. Although as we later learn it’s far from the dream Shawn thought it would be.

The part that I found most profound was the explanation Matt uses in the first act to explain the differences between a “true fan” who is there for the long haul and a “fan” who is supporting the team while certain players are there. Although I know nothing about Basketball I know enough about English Football fans to relate to this conversation.

The set designed by GOOD TEETH is incredibly detailed and thoughtfully put together. In the first act, the duo meet in Matt’s fully stocked wine bar. In the second act, the bar becomes the shop desk in Matt’s parent’s curiosity shop, Armand’s named after the shop mascot, an Armadillo.

Based on real-life events there is plenty of information about LeBron James online to read about his controversial career decisions that changed the NBA landscape and left fans feeling betrayed. Which we hear voiced in the play by Shawn.

Although the play spans several years the catch-up conversations that take place between Shawn and Matt fill in the gaps and their rapport on stage feels organic many of us with long friendships will recognise those similar times when we meet up again.

Alice Hamilton has brought a piece of American Basketball history to Hampstead Theatre. However, knowing anything about the sport isn’t important. As the direction concentrates on the strength and respect that builds a good long-lasting friendship. Which keeps Matt and Shawn together no matter what changes take place in their Basketball team.