The Wrong They Knew spotlights the racial tensions of post-war Britain as well as the spirited response that created an enduring legacy, writes James Cracknell

The Wrong They Knew (credit Chickenshed) — *The Wrong They Knew* (credit Chickenshed)

Exploring themes of justice and racial prejudice, Chickenshed’s spring production The Wrong They Knew is an original story about “standing together and finding your voice”.

The Southgate theatre’s spring shows often tackle darker subjects than its productions at other times of year, but always still with its trademark musical set-pieces playing a central role.

Here, the script for The Wrong They Knew draws from a breadth of literature on the subject of racial division and prejudice, most notably To Kill A Mockingbird, which happens to be one of my favourites.

The plot revolves around the fictional London district of Forest Hills in the mid-20^th Century, which “erupts with unrest” when Teddy Boy gangs and police clash with black and mixed-race families.

Amid the turmoil, a group of families dream of creating a community carnival.

The story echoes the origins of London’s famous Notting Hill Carnival, but the fictional setting allows much greater creative licence, while intertwining different narrative strands.

The central story is the injustice faced by a polite, unassuming black man, who is drawn into a situation he tries to avoid and ultimately becomes a victim of racist violence.

While these scenes can be uncomfortable to watch, as racism always is when depicted in theatre or film, the joy and celebration arising from the carnival still gives The Wrong They Knew an optimistic air – as well as an excuse for a wide range of musical interludes encompassing Caribbean rhythms, rock’n’roll, rap and 1950s influences.

In his introductory notes in the show’s programme, Chickenshed’s executive director of education Paul Morrall explains that the period of Britain being depicted in The Wrong They Knew seems “both a long time ago and a potential part of a dystopian future where those same rights, fears and hopes are debated and destroyed and reinvented endlessly in different cycles of lived experience”.

But that doesn’t mean that this future is inevitable and, with a cast of 200 diverse performers on stage once again showcasing some of the best talent to be found in Enfield and North London, The Wrong They Knew strikes the right balance between despair and hope.

I highly recommend seeing it for yourself!

The Wrong They Knew is running at Chickenshed Theatre in Chase Side (N14 4PE) until Saturday, 28th March, with 7pm evening shows as well as Saturday matinees at 3pm. Tickets range from £10 to £20. To book tickets:
Call 0208 292 9222
Email [email protected]
Visit chickenshed.org.uk/events/the-wrong-they-knew

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