After Sunday ★★★★ Bush Theatre | Nov 10 - Dec 20, 2025


In a medium-secure hospital, Naomi introduces a Caribbean cooking class as part of a therapeutic rehabilitation programme. She arrives with an almost naive optimism and goodwill, ready to face the various challenges presented by her three pupils. Ty is verbose, hyperactive, and craving attention. The newcomer, Daniel, is withdrawn and cautious, while the veteran, Leroy, remains stoic and quietly resigned to institutional life. Cooking together tests their social skills and gradually creates bonds none of them expected. Although set in an institution for people who struggle to cope with the outside world, Sophia Griffin’s After Sunday becomes a broader metaphor for human existence in general. The narrative moves through triumph and disappointment, loss and laughter, anger and camaraderie, estrangement and reconciliation. Even when bureaucracy cancels the cooking class, a sense of hope lingers. Change and growth may come slowly, often in small increments, but they do come. After Sunday is an engaging and life affirming work that is both well written and convincingly acted. Aimée Powell gives a vibrant and heartfelt performance as Naomi and Corey Weekes portrays Ty with an energetic, somewhat menacing charm. Darrel Bailey brings a subtle and affecting presence to Daniel, and David Webber lends remarkable depth and quiet power to the role of Leroy. The only reservations we have about this production are certain staging choices. At times the blocking obscured sightlines, and the vigorous movement sequences were distracting rather than illuminating. With the characters’ backs facing the audience during the scene in which Leroy burns his hand, what was an important plot point was unclear. Likewise, the final presentation of the herb garden, the outward sign of the characters’ inward growth, felt underwhelming when it appeared simply as a cluster of garden boxes. Nevertheless, After Sunday offers a compassionate and thoughtful exploration of connection, healing, and personal growth. It stands as a warm and compelling piece of theatre that celebrates people's resilience.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Nicola Young

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 7 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 8LJ, UK

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