Bluebird at the Space
A good show all round and at a great price. While not perfect, Simon Stephen’s Bluebird does scrape up a few good smirks and the odd moment of shock.
The play presents a cross-section of the wildest London lives through the eyes of Jimmy, a cabby, as he picks up various fares and ferries them across the city. It’s basically a darker version of that new Channel 4 programme about Uber drivers. But Jimmy himself has a story – quite a tragic one, at that.
And for no apparent reason, the production seems to be set in the late 90s. But this does make for a fantastic soundtrack for anyone who grew up in that decade.
A lot of thought has gone into each customer’s story. These supporting roles are deep characters in themselves with their own lives and their own relationships. It’s great character-building from Stephens. However, at times it feels like the playwright is making them say what he wants them to say, rather than what they would actually come out with – because of which, not every narrative is all that believable.
Jonathan Keane plays Jimmy, a sometimes sarcastic, sometimes sensitive Mancunian. The actor gives a wonderfully deadpan performance under which he delivers some of the funniest lines in the play. And between Keane and Anna Doolan – playing Jimmy’s ex-wife – there is plenty of gut-wrenching emotion too.
Ultimately, the jokes aren’t quite funny enough to cause anything beyond a few smiles and soft chuckles, and the tragedy isn’t quite tragic enough to cause tears. It’s a good show, but watching it won’t change anyone’s life.
Nevertheless, at a tiny fraction of the price of a West End production, Bluebird gives far more than a tiny fraction of the quality. However, it’s worth noting that with a lack of air con at the Space, some may wish to wait until after the heat wave passes to see this.
James Compton-Hall
Bluebird is at the Space from 24th July until 4th August 2018. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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