A welcome lesson in history is undoubtedly taken from Njambi McGrath’s production ‘BongoLicious.’ Commencing as a comedy act and concluding as a drama, it is difficult to classify the show as one or the other. Njambi takes the audience on a journey of her life growing up in Africa and, in turn, her family’s background and history. It’s a horrible history in parts, exposing the British ruled gulags in Kenya where Africans were tortured, raped and killed. She understandably expresses her fury and emotion over the hardships her people and country went through, slipping a joke or two in between. The interludes of African song and dance are beautiful, and upcoming performer Njambi is a big personality whose heritage and cultural identity help in the creation of this interesting show.

Just The Tonic at The Mash House, until 22 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Keara Barnes]