Written by Pendleton King in 1917 and relocated to the 1980s for this Camden Fringe production, ‘Cocaine’ is an intimate and affecting examination of addiction, dependency and a relationship pushed towards breaking point. Directed by Sushant Nair, this compelling two-hander succeeds through simplicity, placing its confidence almost entirely in King’s writing and two extremely strong performances.
Joe, once a promising boxer, has seen his potential consumed by cocaine addiction. Alongside him is Nora, who wrestles with her love for him, her own dependency and the exhausting reality of trying to keep them both afloat. The play is not principally concerned with the sensation or spectacle of drug use, instead, it focuses on the emotional consequences, examining the ways addiction distorts judgement, erodes hope and binds people together even as it threatens to destroy them.
Geir Thomassen gives a consistently convincing performance as Joe, maintaining a carefully developed characterisation throughout. He captures both the former boxer’s damaged pride and the vulnerability beneath it, allowing the character to remain recognisably human rather than becoming a simple portrait of addiction. Phoebe Alice Ritchie is exceptional as Nora and gives a remarkably assured and believable leading performance, filled with emotional intelligence and beautifully judged detail. She finds light and shade within a woman experiencing love, frustration, exhaustion and desperation, connecting powerfully with both Thomassen and the audience. She is evidently accomplished actor.
The chemistry between the two is excellent. They communicate the shifting tensions within Joe and Nora’s relationship, moving convincingly between tenderness and conflict. Their character work feels carefully developed, while the emotional connection between them gives the production its considerable power.
Nair’s direction and staging are simple but effective. The basic bedroom set and lighting leave the actors exposed, with a subtle lighting change distinguishing a scene in which the characters have taken drugs. Fundamentally, however, this is two people onstage acting exceptionally well.
Unfortunately, external noise and doors opening caused several disruptions, occasionally interrupting the concentration the production works so effectively to establish. This piece deserves to be seen in a space better able to protect its intimacy. Nevertheless, these distractions cannot diminish what is a beautifully acted, emotionally absorbing and genuinely impressive piece of theatre.
‘Cocaine’ was performed as part of the Camden Fringe at The Courtyard Theatre. It shows again on 30th August at Etcetera Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at: https://camdenfringe.com/events/cocaine
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 16th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: