An Intervention at The Space
The range of what’s available in London’s theatre scene is truly extraordinary – there’s just about anything from the latest musical adaptation of a beloved classic movie or a long-running hit comedy to choose from among the bright lights of the West End. Alternatively, you can find yourself in a converted church down the road from Mudchute DLR station to watch Mop N Bucket Theatre’s take on a celebrated Mike Bartlett play. The latter is where we find ourselves tonight.
An Intervention is a dark comedy centring around two nameless characters, played by Tom Zachar and Neila Stephens, transforming from fiery and passionate to broken and disenchanted as they start questioning their friendship. It’s fascinating to watch how initially comfortable these characters are with one another, volleying jabs and jibes back and forth, until suddenly a line is crossed. Set against the metaphor of war, it’s complicated; both sides don’t back down, and with tension bubbling throughout, there’s a slow-burning sense that everything could fall apart. Yet when each character quietly speaks aside to the audience, both actors handle the emotion of these moments wonderfully.
The direction of Old Vic Theatre-trained Dom Stephens has opted for the script to do the heavy work, with minimal props and lighting cues to rely on. Given the delicate nature of the themes and the skill of Zachar and Stephens, it’s a good decision. However, playing news reports loudly to break up each scene comes off as heavy-handed at times; perhaps this was deliberate, to reflect the true volume of gunfire and bombing in war zones. Nevertheless, the theatre space is used effectively, especially for the final scene – it certainly arrives with a shock, but once that wears off and the play reaches its conclusion, it’s an ending that makes perfect sense.
So yes, being human is complicated. Sure, we’re all entitled to our opinion, but sharing it can have consequences, even on seemingly solid relationships. Conversations around war are never easy yet very much important, as An Intervention demonstrates, while also pointing out it’s worth remembering to keep an eye on those nearer to home. And to keep a friendly ear, possibly a hug as well, at the ready.
Gem Hurley
Image: Courtesy of An Intervention
An Intervention is at The Space from 26th until 30th August 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
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