You Stupid Darkness! - Southwark Playhouse - ★★★★ - Until February 22, 2020


“Life goes on” is what Sam Steiner seems to say in You Stupid Darkness! This is borne out in James Grieve's beautifully conceived production, Amy Jane Cook's design and Peter Small's terrific lighting. We are in some undefined post-apocalyptic Samaritans-like call centre as toxic storms rage outside. The team leader (the excellent Jenni Maitland) is at first irritatingly bossy but slowly gains our sympathy as does the skittish Angie (Lydia Larsen); her despair as she loses a caller is beautifully realised. Andy Rush is tremendous as subtly gay Jon whilst Andrew Finnigan (Joey) completes a superb cast. We see Joey's work-experience serve to delicately mature him from a boy to a man. The scene where the undertones of gay attraction emerge is also tremendously well played. There are moments of telling silence and some excellent laughs. The characters deal with people experiencing depression and other mental health issues whilst simultaneously battling their own demons, and the cast present them in an extremely relatable manner. Similarly, the issues portrayed are approached with both insight and sensitivity. In the final scene of this excellent work the only light comes from candles, and the floor is actually awash due to a flood – but still life goes on.

Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo by Ali Wright.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 22, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Tue & Sat: 3 pm
Southwark Playhouse
Nearest tube: Elephant and Castle
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/you-stupid-darkness/

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Intimate Apparel ★★★★★ Donmar Warehouse | Jun 20 - Aug 9, 2025

Stereophonic ★★★★ Duke of York's Theatre | May 24 - Oct 11, 2025

King of Pangea ★★ King's Head Theatre | Jun 7 - Jul 6, 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs ★★★ Kiln Theatre | Jun 13 - Jul 12, 2025

Edward Burra - Ithell Colquhoun ★★★★ Tate Britain | Jun 13 - Oct 19, 2025

Showmanism ★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Jun 18 - Jul 12, 2025

Evita ★★★★ The London Palladium | Until September 6, 2025

Summer Exhibition 2025 ★★★★ Royal Academy of Arts | Jun 17 - Aug 17, 2025

The White Chip ★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Jul 9 - Aug 16, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings