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One hundred people’s ninth favourite thing: [title of show] @swkplay

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[title of show] takes you back to a time before the fast paced social media where word of mouth for a positive show came from chat boards, video diaries or (god forbid) blogs. A simple staging makes it an ideal (and economical piece to stage), but it’s sweet and earnest take on just putting on a show, and putting it out there and taking a chance gives this show its heart. With a strong and energetic cast and endless musical theatre references, it’s hard to resist and it’s currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse .  It opens with Hunter (Jacob Fowler) and Jeff (Thomas Oxley) as struggling young writers in New York City. An upcoming New York Musical Theatre festival, inspires them to write an original musical within three weeks to make the deadline. As they discuss ideas, writers block, distractions and endless other good and bad musicals, an idea for a show emerges. Which is about writing a show for a musical theatre festival.  Their friends Heidi (Abbie Budden) and Susan (Mary Moor

Meanwhile somewhere in rural England: Weald @Finborough



Weald, the new play by Daniel Foxsmith currently playing at the Finborough Theatre, is a funny and   intriguing piece about rural life in England and the bond between men.

The premise is that Jim arrives home after six years away in need of work at a livery yard. It is only temporary as he needs the work. Sam, the older man and father figure to him, reluctantly agrees.

As they get back to work, it is as if they were picking up where they left off. But in the years since Jim left, both have changed. The harsh economic realities for both of them mean that things are going to be as they were before.




The story of the economic decline of rural England is familiar enough. But what's great about this play is that its a story of two strong male characters. The humour, the conversations that trail off and the bonding over a cup of tea.

David Crellin as Sam captures the cragginess and humour of a man who has seen it all. While Dan Parr as Jim captures the enthusiasm and contradictions of a young man who wants a simple life, yet has commitments and obligations. The two men bond well together and give this play its strength.


The rural setting is also evocative from both the writing and clever staging by Director Bryony Shanahan. It is beautifully realised in the space of the Finborough.

All told it is a gentle observation of male bonding until the bloody climax. The ending seems a little rushed (and a bit shocking) for what had been the steady pace up to that point. But along the way it was insightful and funny.

Weald is a Snuff Box Theatre production playing at the Finborough Theatre through to 27 February.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎

Photos by Alex Brenner.

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