Jitney (London) London Reviews and Tickets

85%

(12 Reviews)

Positive

92%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great acting, Great writing, Entertaining, Profound

About the Show

A revival of August Wilson's first play about cab drivers working to survive in 70s Pittsburgh.

"Jitney" follows a group of cab drivers whose business is threatened as the city seeks to tear down the local cab station and develop a new building in its place.

An exploration of family, race and economic hardship by acclaimed playwright August Wilson. Wilson's other notable works include 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' and 'Fences'.

Tinuke Craig ('The Color Purple') directs. This production is recommended for ages 12+.

Member Reviews (12)

Resonant, Riveting

See it if you love a good old fashioned drama and the playwright.

Don't see it if can't sit still for 2.5. Read more

Thought-provoking, Resonant

See it if you want a hard-hitting and visceral play that’s excellently acted and sadly feels every bit as relevant today as when it was written.

Don't see it if you like a short and sweet play; this is at times a hard watch and clocking in at nearly 3 hours it might prove too much for some.

Dramatic

See it if It’s smartly done — very good performances all around. These British actors all do a great job with their American 70’s Black vernacular.

Don't see it if It’s a bit plodding in both the writing and the plot — at over 2 and a half hours. And those wigs that the male actors wear - ugly as sin. Read more

Must see, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if you are into a great writing with each character well developed and a relatable story for every generation and every race

Don't see it if you do not like August Wilson's play or African American story

Must see, Great acting, Funny, Intelligent, Absorbing

See it if A play In Wilson’s ten play Chicago cycle. Great ensemble piece, of its time but credibly acted and utterly engrossing.

Don't see it if Ethic themes do not interest you.

Great writing, Absorbing, Great acting, Refreshing, Great staging

See it if You like Wilson's later plays. Jitney has lots of interesting things to say about class, race and gentrification. Characters to care about.

Don't see it if You are expecting a feminist play

Slow, Confusing, Dramatic, Profound, Great acting

See it if You enjoy stories set in the 70s and featuring all black casts. Most characters are lovable! Amazing movement sequences, design is great!

Don't see it if the ‘n’ word is triggers you or you’re bored w/ monologues. The African-American English accents could be difficult to understand at times.

100

Intense, Great acting, Exquisite, Clever, Absorbing

See it if It was extremely powerful, masterfully staged with wonderful acting. The narrative was both poignant and funny. A brilliant production.

Don't see it if You are blinkered and intolerant

Critic Reviews (9)

The performances here are superb. This is a stunning, richly textured piece of work, both particular and universal. Craig’s production fills in another piece of the pie. Let’s have more, please.
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Every performance is outstanding in Tinuke Craig's sensitive and lively production right down to the smaller characters. Every detail of stage and scene ... is lovingly right. It's a fine production of a fascinating play.
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At times, you can feel the play’s mechanics grinding a tad obviously ... [but] the cast to a man delivers. Jitney is very much worth the ride.
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It’s unsentimental but compassionate. And outstandingly well acted. It’s fractious, funny, lively enough that our suspension of disbelief can handle the cast breaking into a dance to a Bill Withers song. The evening takes on an arresting intimacy.
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[The] cast is impeccable. It’s terrific ... to see a work of this calibre brought into London after originating in a regional theatre
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A stylish rework of the August Wilson character-study sees a standout performance from Wil Johnson. Craig’s direction provides the whole show with a laid-back ease.
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