Word-Play

Sticks and Stones, But …

Word-Play

by Rabiah Hussain

Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, at the Royal Court Theatre, Chelsea until 26^th August

Review by Denis Valentine

Word-Play, written by Rabiah Hussain, aims to take a multi-layered look into how those in modern British society relate to each other and how at times a simple word or phrase to one person can have far out reaching connotations to another.    The play has a multi-sketch structure and for many of them the dramatic central point is based on a person’s use of simple language and how it spirals into deeper meaning for another.   

With the absence of a main character, the five actors skilfully jump between different roles in full support of each other.  Each make the most of their scenes and show great dramatic range whether it’s working together or when the spotlight may solely fall on them.  Director Nimmo Ismail for the most part does a good job in nailing the tonal shifts of each scene, even if their constant shifting in styles and tones make some scenes slightly less digestible for the audience.   

There are two reoccurring storyline threads that feature throughout.  In one an unnamed Prime Minister (which could draw a comparison from more than one of the last few incumbents to the position) has made an offensive statement and the way, not only those around him try to control the narrative to what was being said and how it is disseminated to the public, but the way such a thing can trickle down and unconsciously influence day-to-day public life and relations in matters seemingly unrelated, is very well told and depicted here.   

As the structure of the play is episodic and at times has the basic feel of a series of consecutive short plays, some of the offerings can slightly miss the mark or fail to fully land in the same ways others do and these feel superfluous.    When the show is at its best it works extremely well, but what it accomplishes feels like it could have been done in a shorter time.     

Another interesting aspect to note is that Hussain has not allowed for an interval during the show, which may be thematically in line with the idea that in today’s society there is a constant bombardment of words and information accessible to the point where people can quite literally not get a break from.   

The number of different pieces contained in the show means it covers a lot of themes and styles throughout its eighty-minute run time.    They range across the spectrum from ones being amusing, satirical, light-hearted to those being tragic, dark and poignant.    As mentioned some of these moments are done extremely well but with there being so many different ‘episodes’ to each it is hard for them to all maintain the same high standard.      

Special mention must go to all in the technical team who have designed some truly unique and innovate ways to construct a vibrant and evolving stage for their actors to work in.    To not give anything away in this review, but from the opening scene of the play it is clear to the audience that they are about to witness staging in a way that will be new to most and this immediately strikes a chord of the modern day and different way things and information can be absorbed.  The LED Display Board, that indicates where each scene is taking place becomes a character in its own right and increasingly draws more laughs from the audience as the show goes on.

Word-Play will for certain audience members offer very relatable tales to issues and events they themselves have experienced in British society, whilst for others a chance to gain insight and thought into aspects of society that may have closer relations to them than they think. 

When the show works, it really works and despite certain imperfections at its best offers an interesting, at times poignant, humorous but also chilling and sharply dramatic evening.   

Denis Valentine, July 2023

Photography by Johan Persson