“Richard Speir directs with assurance, making great use of the theatre” – The Stage
★★★★ “raw and honest depiction of reality — this cast is not one to miss!” – Felix
★★★★ “a wonderful look at success and failure” – Boyz
"a quality hour and a half of entertainment" - London Theatre Reviews
"artfully staged by director Richard Speir" - TheReviewsHub
"Richard Speir leads us fluidly through the dynamics of a dysfunctional family... although you despise [Phil], you can’t help but feel that bit sorry for him." - EverythingTheatre
"Richard Speir’s direction... makes those confrontations lively." - British Theatre Guide
“What lies on the bottom of the ocean and twitches?”
“A nervous wreck.”
“A nervous wreck.”
Above a pub in North London, Phil is fighting off panic about his comeback gig.
Once a regular stand-up on Saturday night television, Phil’s back to square one. As Phil laments his dwindling career, his son arrives believing that his dad harbours a damaging secret. With the gig hour nearing, old flames and past misdemeanours catch up with the family. Tonight, Phil’s career might not be the only thing in tatters.
Comic and moving, Broken Lad is a subtle examination of masculinity and virility in distress.
By Robin Hooper
Arcola Theatre Outside / October-November, 2021
Design / Cecilia Trono
Lighting / Matthew Swithinbank
Sound / Jamie Lu
Assistant Director / Jessie Roberts
Photographer: David Monteith-Hodge
Cast
Carolyn Backhouse, Patrick Brennan, Dave Perry,
Adrian McLoughlin & Yasmin Paige