Cockfosters

Southwark Playhouse Borough

What's it like living in London? This play answers this question with all the exaggerated absurdities of the tube, where most Londoners live. It's hilarious and heart warming.

We can all agree that the London Underground is an experience, some journeys more so than others and you see the most animated people down there. That is exactly what Hamish Clayton and Tom Woffenden the writers of 'Cockfosters' have captured in this play. 65 minutes of a high standard of multi-roling, joke after joke and a captivating love story, it's so short and sweet that you will want more. Can we make it 1 hour 38 minutes just like the journey from Heathrow to Cockfosters?!

The cast work perfectly as a group, bounce off each other and the energy is electric. There are no moments that the energy drops, and the audience are engaged and amused throughout the 65 minutes. Jimmy Bryant and Liam Horrigan are two actors that stand out. Their multi-roling is pristine and they create the most colourful and comic characters. The variation between each role is clear and well thought out. Sam Rees-Baylis who plays James and Beth Lily who plays Tori the two strangers who meet on the tube form this beautiful, wholesome bond; their characters symbolise the everyday people on the tube. The multiple roles played by the remaining cast are the crazy characters you meet on the tube, exaggerated comic situations and flashbacks. The audience get two know Tori and Jame' characters and how they have this exciting, spontaneous bond from meeting each other on this journey. Which is rare with modern technology, as stated in the piece. There was no fault in any of the acting! Great audience interaction and an abundance of energy to keep the comic timing right on time.

It was just like boarding the tube! They perfectly created set to mimic the Cockfosters train, the only criticism I'd have is how tidy it is! The set is designed by Gareth Rowntree. There are ads that the team have created on the walls and the seats mimic the iconic Picadilly line, minus the pattern, colour scheme signified to the audience the idea of the design. Lighting is designed by Ben Sayer, lighting is used to create the atmosphere for flashbacks and to create the effect of the sliding doors. The acting and the lighting make you forget there aren't real doors there. In addition to the actors handing out newspaper form programs and a platform worker walking round the audience pre-show, you really get the feel of being on the tube. The design choices are creative and there is so much attention to detail.

This show is an absolute diamond and deserves so much appreciation for how much attention to detail there is in all areas. It encapsulates what it is like to be in London and some of our British habits. The comic timing is admirable, there are so many different textures, avenues, character and events to keep you engaged. There is also some fantastic writing, references and songs... YES, they break out into a few comical songs and it is hilarious! Written by Rich Longdon. Cockfosters is silly, fun, impressive and the show has a bright future! Get on the tube and see this show at Southwark Playhouse... which is sadly not on the Picadilly line.

Also, extra appreciation for their programme being in a newspaper format! It is GOLD!