A Raisin in the Sun
Lyric Hammersmith, London

SINCE it first appeared on Broadway in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun has become a constant feature of theatre repertoires around the world – and for good reason. 

Given its scintillating dialogue, thought-provoking plot and sophisticated humour, it’s difficult to quibble with the Lyric’s assessment that it’s “one of the greatest plays of the 20th century.”

Yet even a top-notch creation needs to be delivered in the right manner, and here an excellent cast does a fine job of doing it justice.

Solomon Israel as Walter and Doreene Blackstock as Lena lead the way with outstanding performances, while there’s not a weak link in the rest of the cast as they portray the struggles of a black family in 1950s Chicago trying to assert themselves in a world dominated by white structures and white thought processes.

As a group the players interact so well that they look and feel like a real family straight away – one that squabbles and scraps but which shares a common destiny and a commitment to moving forward with integrity. 

That unity is severely tested by the arrival of a $10,000 insurance payout until they find a way to march ahead in step, leaving behind the dingy cockroach-infested apartment that has been their home for so many years.

Set designer Cecile Tremolieres cleverly furnishes the flat with translucent walls that provide a hint not only of what’s happening in the adjoining bedrooms but a sense of the tough, unforgiving streets beyond the hallway.

Aside from the occasional accent lapse and one or two moments when the dialogue is a little difficult to hear, this is a peach of a production that has clearly benefited from arriving well-oiled at the Lyric after runs at the Nottingham and Leeds Playhouses.

Given the play’s popularity, other productions at other venues will come along in the not too distant future. But this version is not far off as good as you’ll get, and well worth seeing while the iron is hot.

Runs until November 2. Box Office: 020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk