Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia
Nina – A Story About Me and Nina Simone

1960s America. A hot day; 38 degrees in the shade. We certainly feel the heat in this piercing, soulful production at the Traverse theatre.

With a performance like Bushell-Mingo’s, you really feel you are lucky to be in the room.

Josette Bushell-Mingo writes and performs in this one-woman show, using Nina Simone’s music and political acts to make parallels with today’s society and question how far we have really come. This is definitely not a Nina Simone tribute act.

Bushell-Mingo is a powerhouse performer. She commands the stage with an incredible presence. And her voice? Out of this world. Bushell-Mingo questions those things we find most difficult to talk about. And question them she does. And us. Direct address adds to the uncomfortable subject matter. She swiftly changes between her Nina persona and herself, constantly questioning Nina as if she is God. It can be difficult at times to sit through but that is what makes this piece so breathtaking. Dritëro Kasapi’s direction is impeccable. The breaths between statements, the questioning the audience, it all makes complete sense.

The musicians, as Nina’s band, bring a wonderful underscoring to Bushell-Mingo’s words. Whether that be a Simone classic or a tinkle of Beethoven or even a smatter of Cool and The Gang, it all adds to the multi-layered performance. Bushell-Mingo interacts with the musicians at exactly the right moments; encouraging and quashing them in equal measure. With excellent musical direction by Shapor Bastansiar, we move seamlessly from thought to thought without ever losing track of the story. The set and costume (by Rosa Maggiora) and lighting (by Matt Haskins) add to this, taking us from dressing room to performance with small but effective choices.

It’s an important piece of theatre. One that definitely needs to be seen, regardless of race, colour or creed. With a performance like Bushell-Mingo’s, you really feel you are lucky to be in the room. 

Reviews by Emily Jane Kerr

Trafalgar Studio 1

Nine Night

★★★★★
Old Red Lion Theatre Pub

Is This Thing On?

★★
Heroes @ Monkey Barrel

Spencer Jones: The Audition

★★★★★
Pleasance Dome

Rachel Parris: Keynote

★★★
Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

The MMORPG Show – No Rolls Bard

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Backed by a brilliant band, Olivier Award-nominated actress Josette Bushell-Mingo (Disney’s The Lion King) mixes story and song as she draws together tales from Nina Simone's life and her own extraordinary career. Touching upon the 1960s civil rights movement and drawing into parallel the struggles of the civil rights movement today. Nina Simone was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century. She was the consummate musical storyteller who used her remarkable talent to create a legacy of liberation, empowerment and love through a magnificent body of work.
Buy cheap tickets for Agatha Christie The Mousetrap
Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

From £23.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Only Fools And Horses
Only Fools And Horses

From £33.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Abba Voyage
Abba Voyage

From £67.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Six
Six

From £42.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for MAMMA MIA!
MAMMA MIA!

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Rigolette
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for Juno and the Paycock
Buy cheap tickets for Cinderella Kings Head
Buy cheap tickets for The Purists
Buy cheap tickets for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
Buy cheap tickets for Play On
Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things