Gamble presented by Hannah Walker & Co, is touring from the 15th of February to the 28th of March. This issue-based play ventures into the complex world of gambling addiction via the lens of being a partner to a gambler, or ‘The Hairy Man’ as he is light-heartedly referred to.
We kick off with some pre-show banter and are given the sense from the outset that there will likely be some audience participation at times (spoiler – there is!). Once we’re up, we meet the team: Hannah, who rails against an industry that caused her family much strife, Rosa, the stage manager-cum-reluctant actor and British Sign Language performer Faye Alvi, who adds a dynamic layer to the show by enhancing its accessibility and engagement. The show is comprised of episodic vignettes, songs and multi-media. We get an hour of exploration, reflection and information. With this much switching however, there needed to be more pace, fluidity of joke to punchline and overall clarity.
In truth, the general execution feels a little undercooked, with certain scenes and multimedia usage feeling more like filler than meaningful content. In particular, many of the musical interludes ended up elongating the performance without driving the story forward.
At times, it is beautifully written and uses language and theatrical devices that are evocative and clearly came from a vulnerable place in creation. The production shines most in these moments of vulnerability, especially during a brilliantly edited and curated Zoom meeting segment, where the real-life impact of gambling addiction is poignantly brought to the forefront.
Frustratingly, the meandering narrative never fully exposes the malpractices of the gambling industry nor delves deeply enough into the personal turmoil of gambling addiction through a partner’s lens. I feel I should have left the theatre either furious with a nefarious industry that preys on the vulnerable or devastated at the impact it had on Walker’s life but sadly I left not feeling enough of either.
In essence, Gamble is a production with heartfelt ambitions and moments of genuine vulnerability that struggles to find its footing in style and tone. While it aims to engage with important themes, the execution needed a tighter and more impactful dramatic payoff.
