Hiya, lovely families! If you’re on the hunt for a theatre trip that’s got a bit of magic for the kids and something meaningful for the grown-ups, you might’ve heard whispers about The Rainbow. It’s landed at the Bush Theatre, a snug little spot in Shepherd’s Bush that’s known for punching above its weight with bold new plays. This one’s a fresh piece by Amy Jephta, a South African writer who’s got a knack for stories that stick with you. I popped along to see it—notebook in hand, ready to suss out if it’s worth dragging the whole clan along. So, grab a biscuit, and let’s dive in—should you watch this play or not?
What’s It All About, Then?
First off, The Rainbow isn’t your typical family theatre fare—no talking animals or pratfalling clowns here. Instead, it’s a fluid, female-led story that stretches across decades, following three women tied together by time and a quest for freedom. Think of it like a time-travelling relay race where the baton’s passed from one generation to the next. There’s Lena, a 1920s lass escaping a tough life under apartheid in South Africa; then Rain, a 1980s rebel with a punk streak fighting her own battles; and finally Zadie, a modern-day teen tackling today’s world with all its tech and tangles. They’re not related by blood, mind you, but by this shared spark of wanting to break free and live life on their terms.
The play’s got no straight line—it zips back and forth between these three timelines, weaving their stories together like a plait. One minute you’re in a dusty 1920s shack, the next you’re dodging tear gas in the ‘80s, then bam—Zadie’s scrolling her phone in 2025. It’s all held together by a cracking cast of three actresses who double up, triple up, and sometimes play a dozen roles each—men, women, kids, you name it. There’s music too—live stuff with a folky, earthy vibe that shifts with each era. Think banjos for Lena, synth beats for Rain, and maybe a bit of garage for Zadie. It’s clever, it’s ambitious, and it’s got a heart as big as a double-decker bus.
The Vibe: What’s It Like to Watch?
Now, let’s paint the picture. The Bush Theatre’s a cosy venue—about 150 seats, all up close so you feel part of the action. The stage is bare-bones but brilliant—think a few crates, a ladder, and some clever lighting that splashes rainbows (yep, hence the title) across the floor. It’s not fussy—no big sets or sparkly costumes—but that’s the charm. The focus is all on the actors and the words, which zip along like a cracking good yarn told round the campfire.
The three women who lead the show—let’s call ‘em the Triple Threat Trio—are absolute stars. They’ve got energy to burn, flipping from Lena’s quiet grit to Rain’s loud defiance to Zadie’s cheeky wit without missing a beat. One second, an actress is Lena scrubbing floors, all stooped and weary; the next, she’s Rain, strutting about like she owns the place. It’s a bit like watching a magic trick—how do they switch so fast? The kids in the audience I saw were gobsmacked, whispering, “Is that the same lady?” every five minutes.
The music’s a treat too. There’s a live musician plucking strings or tapping keys, and it’s not just background noise—it’s like another character. When Lena’s dreaming of a better life, the banjo hums soft and hopeful; when Rain’s in a protest, the drums kick in like a heartbeat. For Zadie, it’s all sharp, modern sounds—think Stormzy meets a busker. It keeps things lively, and I caught a few little ones bobbing their heads, which is always a win.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Here’s the big question for you parents: will the sprogs enjoy it? Well, it’s not a pantomime, let’s be clear—no “he’s behind you!” or sweetie-throwing here. The Rainbow is aimed at a slightly older crowd—think tweens and teens rather than tots. I’d say 10 and up is your sweet spot. Younger kids might fidget a bit—it’s 90 minutes straight through, no interval, and the story jumps around like a kangaroo on a trampoline. If your little one’s not big on sitting still or following a twisty plot, you might want to save this for a babysitter night.
That said, for the right age group, there’s loads to love. The actresses are so lively they could wake up a coma patient—lots of big gestures, funny voices, and proper energy that keeps kids hooked. Zadie’s bits are a riot—she’s all sass and smartphones, which any tech-obsessed teen will get a kick out of. There’s a scene where she’s arguing with her mum (played by the same actress who’s just been Rain—mind-bending!) and it’s pure comedy gold. Rain’s ‘80s rebellion’s got some edge too—think loud shouting and a bit of pretend fighting that had the lads next to me wide-eyed and cheering.
Lena’s story is quieter, more serious—there’s talk of tough stuff like racism and poverty, but it’s done with heart, not gloom. It’s not preachy, but it’s not sugar-coated either. My mate’s 12-year-old daughter leaned over and said, “She’s brave, innit?” which sums it up—kids can latch onto that gutsy spirit even if they don’t catch every word.
Language-wise, it’s clean as a whistle—no swearing or rude bits to make you blush in front of the nippers. There’s some South African slang and a few heavy themes (apartheid’s no picnic), but it’s all framed in a way that’s more inspiring than upsetting. The play’s got a PG vibe—think Matilda rather than Frozen.
What’s in It for the Grown-Ups?
Now, don’t think this is just a kids’ show with a fancy haircut—it’s got proper meat on its bones for us adults too. The way it ties these three women together across time is dead clever. You start spotting little echoes—like how Lena’s hope trickles down to Rain’s fight, then blooms in Zadie’s confidence. It’s about women finding their voice, which hits you right in the feels if you’ve ever felt stuck or silenced yourself.
The history bits are cracking too—1920s South Africa, the ‘80s protests, today’s digital mess—it’s like a mini lesson without the boring bits. I overheard a dad behind me muttering, “Blimey, I forgot how rough that was,” during Rain’s scenes, and he wasn’t wrong. It’s not heavy-handed, though—Jephta’s got a light touch, mixing laughs with the lumps-in-throat moments.
The acting’s a proper treat for theatre nerds like me. The Trio don’t just play their main roles—they’re everyone else too: grumpy dads, snooty bosses, even a yapping dog at one point. It’s a masterclass in multitasking, and you’ll be nattering about it over dinner after. Plus, the music’s got a nostalgic kick—those ‘80s synths took me right back to my dodgy teenage haircuts.
The Highs: What’s Fab?
- The Cast: Those three actresses are worth the ticket price alone. They’re like human fireworks—bright, bold, and impossible to look away from. Kids and adults alike will be clapping like mad at the end.
- The Music: Live tunes that shift with the story—folky, funky, fierce. It’s not a musical, but it’s got soul, and it keeps the energy buzzing.
- The Message: Freedom, guts, girl power—it’s uplifting without being cheesy. You leave feeling a bit taller, like you could take on the world.
- The Laughs: Zadie’s sarky one-liners and Rain’s over-the-top antics get proper giggles. Even Lena’s got a dry wit that sneaks up on you.
- The Look: Simple but stunning—those rainbow lights are pure magic, and the way they use a few props to flip between eras is genius.
The Lows: Any Niggles?
- The Pace: It’s fast—sometimes too fast. If you blink, you might miss a jump from 1920 to 2025. Younger kids or anyone who likes a slow-burn story might get a bit lost.
- No Break: Ninety minutes straight through is fine for teens, but if your tot’s got a tiny bladder or short attention span, you’re in for a wriggly ride.
- The Depth: Some bits—like Lena’s struggles or Rain’s protests—might sail over little heads. It’s not dumbed down, which is ace, but it’s not always easy either.
- The Seats: Bush Theatre’s tight—comfy enough, but if you’re in the back with a small kid, they might struggle to see over heads. Bag a front row if you can.
How Does It Compare?
If you’ve taken the family to theatre before, think of The Rainbow as a cousin to stuff like Emil and the Detectives or Hetty Feather—it’s got that same pluck and heart, but with a grown-up twist. It’s less silly than a panto, less song-heavy than Matilda, but it’s got a similar vibe of kids (and women) finding their power. Compared to telly, it’s a bit like Horrible Histories—smart, fun, and sneaky with the lessons.
The Family Test: What Did Others Think?
I nabbed a few quick chats post-show. A mum with two teens (13 and 15) said, “They loved Zadie—she’s like their TikTok heroes. I got choked up at Lena’s bit.” A dad with a 10-year-old reckoned, “He was into the shouting and music, but kept asking me what apartheid was—good chat for the Tube home!” A granny with her 12-year-old granddaughter gushed, “She wants to be Rain now—proper firecracker, that one.” Seems it lands best with tweens and up, and sparks some proper nattering after.
The Practical Bits
- Where: Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LJ. Easy peasy from Shepherd’s Bush Tube—two minutes’ walk.
- When: Running through March 2025—check the website, but it’s got evening shows (7:30pm) and some weekend matinees (2:30pm). Book sharpish—it’s a small place, and word’s spreading.
- Tickets: About £20-£30 for adults, £10-£15 for kids/under-26s. Not cheap, but not West End bonkers either.
- Running Time: 90 minutes, no interval—plan your loo trips!
- Extras: There’s a little café for pre-show snacks—decent coffee and kid-friendly nibbles like flapjacks.
Should You Watch This Play or Not?
Right, here’s the clincher. For young families, The Rainbow is a bit of a gem—but it’s not for everyone. If your lot are 10 or older, love a good story, and don’t mind a bit of brain food with their fun, then yes—absolutely, get your tickets booked. It’s got enough zip and zing to keep kids hooked, plus depth that’ll have you lot chatting all the way home. The actresses are a blast, the music’s a bop, and the whole thing feels like a proper adventure—across time, no less!
But if your kids are tiny (under 8, say) or only happy with flashing lights and fart jokes, maybe give it a miss for now. It’s not fluffy—it’s fierce, and it asks you to keep up. Same goes if you’re after a lazy, switch-off afternoon—it’s too clever for that. For the right family, though, it’s a cracker: inspiring, funny, and a proper treat that sticks with you.
So, my verdict? Yes, watch it—if you’ve got tweens or teens with a spark of curiosity, this is your next family outing sorted. Take ‘em, cheer ‘em, and talk about it over fish and chips after. The Rainbow’s a beaut—don’t let it pass you by.
