With parentage that takes in Ethiopia, Eritrea and, as Lemn Sissay adds, Wigan Social Services, this amiable writer/performer is well-positioned to discuss race.
The autobiographical Why I Don’t Hate White People does not achieve the near-impossible and find new angles on an old issue but it is a lively, entertaining attempt.
Sissay is a compelling presence as he patters barefoot around the stage explaining how one colour dominated his upbringing in white foster families in Seventies Lancashire. Everything was white and white was good. Nice witches were white witches, nice lies were white lies.
As his tale evolves there are familiar encounters with narrow minds. The pub that, like a bar in a Western, silences when he enters. The strangers that want to touch his Afro. Yet Sissay literally goes further. On film he travels to the Arctic asking people there what white means. Each incident is recalled with neat wit and economical expressions, a smile here, a nod there.
At times things teeter on the brink of theatre-in-education earnestness but this is a clever, compassionate meditation on belonging. Theatre plus stand-up equalling thoughtful fun.
Until 14 February (0871 2211726, www.lyric.co.uk).
Why I Don't Hate White People
Lyric Hammersmith
Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL
