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 24^th July until 4^th August 2018. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.