Alice Walker’s novel, The Color Purple, was published in 1982. It tells the story of Celie, who is oppressed and abused physically and sexually - initially by her stepfather, then by the man she is forced to marry, who she calls Mister.

The book was critically acclaimed, and Walker became the first black woman to win the coveted Pulitzer Prize. Three years later, Steven Spielberg brought the story to the cinema screen, providing Oprah Winfrey with her film debut and teasing from Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar-nominated performance.

The stage-musical version of the story - which launched on Broadway in 2005, earning a raft of Tony Award nominations - has since been produced in countries across the world.

This critically acclaimed Birmingham Hippodrome and Made At Curve version premiered in Leicester in 2019 and will be touring to six cities across England and Wales this autumn, including the Hippodrome, where it’s running until Saturday (17 September).

The show tells the stark, complicated but ultimately uplifting story of Celie’s life, as she experiences joy, despair, anguish and hope. She survives rape and a lifetime of believing she is ugly. She endures a forced, abusive marriage and the heartbreak of being separated from her sister Nettie, to whom she is devoted.

The production also celebrates Celie’s relationships with the incredible women in her life, not only her sister but also the fiercely independent Sophia (who is married to Mister’s son, Harpo), with whom she forms an unlikely friendship. Celie then has a life-changing affair with glamorous, free-spirited singer Shug Avery, who is a mistress of Mister and the only woman he loves.

Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Brays wrote the show’s sparky and soulful music, drawing inspiration from jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues.

Every voice in the ensemble is dynamic and powerful, bringing the music to life in an almost overwhelming way.

The versatile set offers ample room for the cast to perform their stunning song & dance routines. The dynamic choreography blends beautifully with the harmonious music to create an experience that is completely compelling and incredibly invigorating.

All of the key actors play their roles brilliantly. Me’sha Bryan is truly captivating as Celie, transporting the character from a space in which she feels down-beaten and worthless to a place in which she begins to believe in herself and celebrate life and love. Her rendition of I’m Here is heartbreaking and magnificent.

Anelise Lamola as Sophia is strong-willed, defiant and sassy! She has a great vocal talent and impressive stage presence. She also sings my favourite song from the show: Hell No!

Ahmed Hamad’s Harpo - Sophia’s husband - keeps the laughter coming and displays a compassion towards the women in his life, especially his wife, that sets him aside from his father and grandfather.

Harpo’s dad, Mister - Celie’s husband - is played by Ako Mitchell, who gives the character a strong and menacing presence. Mister is a complicated and very unpleasant man, who is both abusive and unfaithful. The audience does, however, warm to him as the show progresses, as he evaluates his life and attempts to correct his earlier wrong-doing.

Shug Avery, played by Bree Smith, is irrepressible and lusty! Both Mister and Celie love her. Shug empowers Celie and helps her escape Mister’s abuse and misogyny. At the end of the first act, the two women produce a highlight moment when they sing What About Love, astounding the audience with the strength and vitality of their beautiful voices.

Three other characters deserving of a mention are the trio of gossiping church ladies, who tittle-tattle and make snide comments from the sidelines whilst simultaneously praising the Lord!

The standing ovation at the end of the night was well deserved indeed. The Color Purple contains themes of rape, incest, domestic abuse, overt racism and sexism, and as such has been deemed suitable for audience members aged 14 years and older. However, for anyone who’s of an age to be able to see this show, it really is an absolute must! 

Five stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 15 September. The Color Purple continues to show at the venue until Saturday 17 September