The American trumpeter, bandleader and composer Miles Davis (1928-1991) was one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz. From an upper-middle-class family, he studied at the Juilliard School and recorded his successful “Birth of the Cool Sessions” in 1949 and “Kind of Blue” in 1959. When he died, Rolling Stone magazine hailed him as “the most revered jazz trumpeter of all time“.
Oliver Kaderbhai’s play MILES. takes Jay, “a contemporary jazz musician seeking answers, as he interrogates what it takes to create something truly great“. Set in a recording studio, he imagines that Miles is forever looking over his shoulder, criticising and ‘helping’ Jay to confront his own identity as an artist, using many flashback scenes from Miles’ past. By doing so the playwright’s intention is that we learn as much about Miles as we do about Jay, though it does help to have done a bit of your own research beforehand, especially if you are not a jazz aficionado!
The press blurb tells us that “MILES. immerses audiences in an evocative, theatrical world shaped by sound, rhythm and memory – offering an imagined, non-literal portrait of a cultural icon…”
The concept of this two-hander was suggested by Jay Phelps, an “international jazz trumpet star and DJ” who also plays Jay. He is very convincing in the role, aided by the fact that he is an excellent musician, producing a gorgeous, velvety sound when he is playing quietly.
Miles himself is played by a charismatic young actor, Benjamin Akintuyosi, who not only looks like Davis but also sounds like him when he speaks, and is successful in convincing us of his age both in the contemporary and in the flashback scenes. He proves himself to be a very competent pianist as well and it is a shame he is not given more to play at the electric piano and as a singer.
Ellie Wintour’s set design, with its shiny floor and mock grand piano stage centre, is very apt, but it is a shame that Colin J Smith’s frequent videos and stills projected on the back wall are not clearer, as they are useful in illustrating the artistes referred to throughout. Alex Lewer’s lighting not only creates the varying moods needed, but it is also very successful in guiding us, the audience, as to where we should be concentrating our attention at any particular time.
We are told that, having been seen at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025, this Southwark presentation is a “newly extended version”, which is a shame, as the piece outstays its welcome by about 15 minutes, and almost seems not to know when to end. However, overall, it is a very absorbing piece of theatre, entertaining as well as educational! Recommended!
Review by John Groves
MILES. is a bold theatrical work inspired by the life and legacy of Miles Davis and his musical influences. Offering an imagined portrait, the play explores the inner world of an artist driven by innovation, ambition, and contradiction.
MILES. immerses audiences in an evocative theatrical world shaped by sound, rhythm, and memory — offering an imagined, non-literal portrait of a cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate.
Benjamin Akintuyosi – Miles and Elwood Buchanan
Jay Phelps – Jay and Others
Oliver Kaderbhai – Writer and Director
Jay Phelps – Concept
Alex Lewer – Lighting Designer
Colin J Smith – Projection Designer
Ellie Wintour – Set, Props and Costume
Will Tonna – Sound Designer
Amy Gough – Choreographer
Amelia Bright – Assistant Director
MILES.
Southwark Playhouse Borough
4 February to 7 March 2026
