Blackbox - Fringe Review

Thomas Levi
Aug 7
2 min read

★★★☆☆

Blackbox brings the extraordinary story of Henry "Box" Brown to the Edinburgh Fringe, promising a blend of history and magic. The history is gripping, the performances are captivating, but the illusion at the heart of its concept never quite lives up to the billing.

The play follows the life of Henry "Box" Brown, an enslaved man in 19th-century America who escaped to freedom by posting himself across the country inside a wooden crate. Along the way, it explores the brutal realities of slavery: families torn apart through sale, the manipulation of religion to control enslaved communities, and the impossible distinctions between so-called "good" and "bad" slave owners. These events are presented through a series of theatrical illusions intended to mirror different chapters of Brown's life.

The difficulty is that the production sells itself as a magic show, yet the magic rarely feels essential to the storytelling. There are only a handful of illusions across the hour, and while they're competently executed, they often function as visual punctuation rather than becoming part of the narrative itself. Either there should be more illusions woven more effectively into Henry Brown's journey, or the show should trust the actors and story enough to abandon the magical gimmicks entirely.

Brown's life contains enough tragedy and resilience for several plays, yet this production races through major events with little opportunity to absorb them. The sale of his wife and children, the role of faith within enslaved communities, and the wider horrors of slavery are all introduced in quick succession before the narrative moves on. Those moments deserve more space to breathe; the audience should sit with the significance, not mark them as yet another historical milestone.

Josiah Alpher delivers an exceptional portrayal of Henry Brown, grounding every scene in humanity and conviction. When he becomes preacher Nat Turner, the production catches fire. His fearless sermon is electrifying, combining powerful writing with commanding stage presence to create the show's defining moment. Jada Evelyn Ramsey also impresses across multiple roles, bringing warmth and clarity to each new character without ever distracting from Brown's journey.

Blackbox tells an important story that deserves to be heard, and Alpher’s performance ensures it remains engaging throughout. The promotional material prepares the audience for a magic show that never fully materialises. Strip back the illusion or embrace it completely, and this could become something truly unforgettable. For now, it's the actors that provide the real magic inside the Blackbox.