A Palm Tree in London is the story of a Nigerian student. Who comes across to the United Kingdom to study medicine and ends up having the misfortune of sharing a room with a white English male of around the same age who holds some strong racist opinions without any filter he happily shares them with his roommate.

The majority of the conversations are based on outdated racist attitudes held against black African people. The subject of racism, well most words ending in “ism” will always divide audiences. However, although the “white male” character was “hammed up” these views are still held by a minority of the population.

Tackling any form of racism on a public platform will lead to divided opinions and feedback. As a work in progress, this white male role needs to be presented as a “whole” instead of the ignorant pompous racist caricature that I saw.

I understand that the Fringe version of the play has been edited from a longer production that has previously been performed. There’s room to develop the play and bring in more backstreet for the characters to understand where these attitudes began. Nobody is born a racist!

The black African character is more rounded and believable and very funny at times. He brushed off much of the uneducated opinions said at him and was armed with facts to counter-argue with truth. Standing up for what he believed in and educated himself rather than repeating other’s unresearched and unpleasant opinions.

Stories like these are perfect in Fringe venues as they raise awareness and challenge the audience’s attitudes. It’s an uncomfortable watch at times but then very often other people’s experiences of this type of behaviour are vile.

For more information about A Palm Tree in London please check out the link below.

https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/palm-tree-in-london/

No star rating based on it being a work in progress. Hopefully, I can review it properly when it’s ready.

The show stars Chidi Okeke and Thomas Barlow, whose performances as two men from vastly different cultural backgrounds uncover painful truths and moments of unexpected connection. Directed by Samuel Oladele and Oluyomi Taiwo (Mac Tee), the production promises a minimalist yet emotionally resonant experience for audiences.