Community Service
Community Service, Belgrade Theatre, B 2 Stage, running until Saturday 13 April, 7.45pm nightly with a matinee Saturday 2.15pm.
Review by Annette Kinsella.
In the list of ‘jobs I’d hate to do’, police constable has to be right up there. It strikes me as dangerous and unrewarding and I fear I’d lack the necessary ‘I’m in charge’ skills to perform my duty. My MO is more scuttling in fear at the first sign of confrontation. I definitely favour running away from danger, rather than towards it.
That said, the inspirational new show Community Service, currently playing at the Belgrade Threat, went a long way to change my mind. Based on the story of Trevor Prince, one of the first Black community police officers in the Midlands, the performance by Birmingham theatre company Stan’s Café gives an uncompromising view of the struggles Prince faced at work and in his community – yet still infuses the action with the uplifting message that one person can change a system, no matter how hard it seems.
Prince played by Reisz Amos. Photo courtesy of the Belgrade Theatre.
The drama unfolds on a sparsely-decorated stage, with just a Formica desk so beloved of schools and institutions providing the backdrop. Meanwhile, a full-size screen behind plays out images of inner-city Birmingham and a cardboard window through which the characters gaze gives a cinematic feel, reminding the audience that what we are seeing is fiction, albeit inspired by a real character.
And what a character he was. Prince, played with dexterity by musician Reisz Amos, shows how even when caught in a struggle between his job, his community and his church, the ability to cling firm to principles and morality can win through.
From the casual racism experienced on his first day at work – Prince is presented with a banana by colleague Clive (Dominic Thomspon) – to his part in battling rioters in Handsworth, the path is fraught with conflict. But the moral journey he finds himself on – is he a race traitor or is he a community champion? – is presented with tact and empathy.
Community Service at the Belgrade until Saturday. Photo courtesy of The Belgrade Theatre.
The action never becomes mawkish, even when cradling Clive in his arms as he dies following an attack in the street. And the attacks faced by Prince still seem all too relevant today – earlier this year Coventry City footballer Kasey Palmer faced racist abuse from away fans while simply doing his job on the pitch.
If I had a criticism, it would be to do with pacing – in the first act the scenes are almost frenetic as the story of Prince’s early life unfolds at dizzying speed. But by the second half the pace steadies and the final scene, in which Prince’s family and friends accept a life without his huge presence, is incredibly poignant.
This is a play which on paper might look like it wouldn’t work – a musical show covering police racism and brutality could be a hard sell. But in reality, it strikes a perfectly resonant note, giving a considerate and thought-provoking commentary on the struggles faced by anyone battling to reconcile what they think is right with the expectations of society.
Community Service runs until Saturday 13 April at 7.45pm nightly, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.
For details and to book tickets go to: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/community-service/
