Absurd, uncomfortable, silly, and hilarious – What Would Jarvis Do? is an intriguing production that draws heavily on the themes of theatre of the absurd while also having its own unique voice. Written by Laura Grillo and directed by Maiya Pascouche, the play tells the story of best friends Didi (Annabel Smith) and GG (Isabel Butt) – superfans of Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker. Through their unconventional therapist, Ms Lacy (Maggie Daniels), they buy a pair of yellow trousers once owned by Jarvis Cocker – only they might not be Jarvis’ trousers at all.
The play takes us on an unconventional yet familiar ride that explores the themes of materialism, identity, loss, grief, delusions, and recovery. You will see the shades of Beckett, Pinter, and Ionesco in its narrative structure, relying heavily on a familiar use of repetition to drive home the stagnation of its characters. It could perhaps also be interpreted as veiling trauma beneath pop culture, framing Didi and GG’s obsession with Jarvis’ yellow trousers as a shield against raw grief, using Britpop nostalgia as a security blanket. While this naturally leaves room for individual interpretation, Grillo’s script provides enough thematic direction that the audience is not left to construct its meaning entirely for themselves.
Smith’s portrayal of Didi is frantic yet controlled, convincingly capturing someone who is relentlessly focused on what they are seeking. Smith brings an impatient energy to Didi while still finding moments of subtle, understated humour. In contrast, Butt’s performance as GG draws its humour from the character’s airheadedness and unpredictability, creating a lighter counterpoint to Didi’s urgency while occasionally revealing a more serious and emotionally grounded side.
Ms Lacy’s performance was taken over by Maggie Daniels following the departure of the original performer due to bereavement. Given the circumstances, Daniels had to refer to the script throughout the performance, yet she incorporated this limitation remarkably well into her portrayal. She delivered a nuanced and intense performance, and seemly likely to become more assured through subsequent runs. It was a testament to the spontaneity of live theatre, where unexpected circumstances can become part of the performance itself.
Henry Miller’s unsettling yet often hilarious performance as Ms Lacy’s hapless and mentally unwell ‘husband’ is also noteworthy. Miller gradually gives the character a greater sense of agency, allowing him to challenge authority figure of the play. Gigi Zahir’s portrayal of Christopher, meanwhile, strikes a more disturbing balance between the absurd and the genuinely frightening. At times, Christopher feels like a character trapped within his own circumstances, making his darker moments unsettling while also lending his humour a distinctly sad quality.
The light and sound design were executed exquisitely, providing an effective emotional direction throughout the play. Both worked particularly well in establishing mood, heightening dramatic moments and sudden transitions, adding atmosphere without distracting from the performances.
The production definitely had some initial teething issues that should iron out as the run continues, though in trying to juggle so many heavy ideas alongside its comedy, it occasionally loses its narrative rhythm. It’s a commendable and enjoyable effort to bring a fresh perspective to dark absurdist humour, even if its framework feels more comfortably derivative than revolutionary.
What Would Jarvis Do? may not resonate with everyone, but for fans of experimental and absurd plays this is a charming, intriguing, and thoughtful piece of work.
Reviewer: Prateek Sonny
Reviewed: 7th October 2026
North West End UK Rating: