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The production tells the story of Suffolk's anti slavery campaigner, Thomas Clarkson. At the age of 20, Clarkson attended Cambridge University where he produced the Latin essay which launched his literary career and his quest for the abolition of slavery.

Jimmy Grimes as Thomas Clarkson

The company have chosen to once again use the beautiful setting of St Mary's-at-the-Quay, a fitting church venue which suited the production's intimate style and historical context.

After being greeted by our small but well formed cast we shoe-horned ourselves into the packed church pews in preparation for the start of the production.

Life of a local hero

Creative Director, Joanna Carrick has brought together a really strong, original production with a unique way of telling Clarkson's long and difficult story in a warm and light manner.

The show is about acknowledging the horror and brutality of the slave trade but it's also about the personal journey which Clarkson took both for his enlightenment and that of so many others.

That much is set out straight away as we're taken back to the 1700s where Clarkson first begins his journey.

The show gets off to pacey and engaging start. Clarkson (Jimmy Grimes) introduces himself, discussing his academic position and how his studies have led him to have a greater understanding of the evils of life.

What followed was a fast and funny introduction, featuring the story of Joseph, Pandora's Box and Adam and Eve.

As soon as the house lights went down Grimes is submerged in his character with the audience hanging on his every word.

A triumphant debut

Clarkson is continually guided on his journey by Africa (Milly Jupp). The character of Africa was created to highlight Clarkson's conscious self, continually grounding his thoughts.

Milly Jupp and Jimmy Grimes

This part, alongside playing anti slavery MP William Wilberforce in the production, saw Jupp taking her first professional role since leaving drama school earlier this year.ΜύThe contrast and complexity of the two roles, alongside her enviable singing talent, highlight the strength and versatility of an actress the crowd warmed too immediately.

After his essays were published Clarkson continues his journey, with the help of Wilberforce, to see the bill for the abolition of the British slave trade finally being passed in 1807.

On his way we follow Clarkson's emotions, doubts, dangers and discoveries which are offered with just the right level of laughter.

Three is not a crowd

The phrase two's company three's a crowd thankfully dosen't apply to this production, with Josh Golding taking on the task of playing over 20 characters with ease.

One particular stand out moment for Golding came as he played Mr Gardiner, a surgeon with one of the slave ships. He described the practices used by the slave traders. While wanting to dislike his character for his involvement in such barbarity, his humanity and own personal struggle was truly engaging.

Jimmy Grimes, Josh Golding & Milly Jupp

Endings and oddities

The productionΜύ is very well worth the trip to St Mary's-at-the-Quay. It is entertaining with engaging music and drama, though I do have one concern.

Having come to what appeared to be the production's natural end the cast delivered a beautiful performance of Amazing Grace. Though this was followed by a separate sketch about a wild hunter which had no relation to the previous two hours.

While entertaining and even funny in parts, it suggested to me that there was a sense of fear that without this the audience may have leftΜύ feeling down about the production's obviously brutal context.

This was a real shame because the production is otherwise incredibly strong both in its acting and production.