Ah, the Tube. That overheated, claustrophobic, unpredictable but essential mode of transport we Londoners might moan about but wholeheartedly depend upon. We all have our regular routes, preferred stations, and our own stories about what we’ve witnessed underground. This ignited a spark and started the creative engines for writers Tom Woffenden and Hamish Clayton. Their celebrated comedy Cockfosters—which is, incidentally, the most comically named tube station—pulls up at its second stop following three runs at the Turbine Theatre. Now, it’s the turn of Southwark Playhouse to embark on this ride.
Before we even set foot in the theatre, a cast member in high-vis with megaphone in hand informs us that the eastbound service to Cockfosters is soon to depart. A busker stands at the entrance to the studio space and newspapers are handed out. These are, in fact, the programme, with the title ‘Retro’ mocked up in the recognisable font of ‘Metro’. It’s a nice touch, as are the ‘Mind the Gap’ signs on the floor. We already feel immersed in the play. Gareth Rowntree’s set also spares no detail. The perfect mock-up of a Piccadilly line carriage stands before us. As the production plays out, all the recognisable announcements and the sounds of doors opening and closing add to the experience.
Despite being referred to as ‘the underground’, 55% of it is above ground, and it is these lighter elements of the commute that Woffenden and Clayton seek to explore, rather than delving into something deep and profound. The result is an hour of songs and skits intertwined with something of a love story. This strand concerns Tori (an engaging Beth Lilly) and James (an endearing Sam Rees-Baylis). The two are unknown to one another when they board their train at Heathrow. James is heartbroken, having spent his honeymoon alone. Tori, who was seeking solace in a yoga retreat, was instead forced to endure nightly raves. As both are destined for Cockfosters, they sit next to each other and dare to break the unwritten rule of the Tube: make conversation with a stranger!
As passengers embark and disembark, we witness all the usual suspects—from booze-fuelled football fans to hen parties. We’ve all been there—trapped like sardines in an almost airless tin can with no escape… until the next stop, that is. Everything from eating too noisily to sneezing to blaring out music without earphones is touched upon, with plenty of Tube trivia thrown into the mix. With copious costume changes, a host of musical numbers (written by Woffenden), and some surreal interludes, this is certainly a unique theatrical experience.
Jimmy Bryant, Liam Horrigan, Natasha Vasandani, and Emily Waters are said passengers, each multi-rolling. With no concrete character for the duration of this journey, the four must be on their absolute A-game in terms of comic timing. They each deliver—and then some. Horrigan’s American tourist is particularly funny, but the actor seamlessly switches into a host of other personalities, all of which allow him to showcase versatile physicality and excellent comic timing. Bryant has a way of making you chuckle before he even says or does anything. Again, the actor is an absolute joy to watch—his facial expressions and movements ushering in many a laugh. Waters also displays excellent range and really shines vocally when she sings. As busker Tubie Rubie, she has some show-stealing moments. Vasandani has us in stitches as a woman who has been offered a seat, which triggers an existential crisis. A rap battle over whether north or south of the river is best unites the entire cast and really exemplifies how cohesive they are.
Of course, like being held at a red signal, the pace does occasionally falter and inevitably not all the jokes are going to land. An ‘ask the audience’ quiz slams on the brakes, and the audience participation element is not for everyone. Momentum is slightly lost at this point, but we soon increase speed again as we head towards Cockfosters and thus the climax of the show. There is more packed into this hour than there are people piled into a carriage during the morning rush. If you see a seat, grab it—as this latest run of the show is selling out fast. Great fun.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
